Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.
As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.
The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.
Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.
November 16, 2015
A study led by Canadian psychologist E. Glenn Schellenberg of University of Toronto-Mississauga confirmed that making music improves behavior in children.
Read MoreNovember 13, 2015
Yesterday US District Court Judge Gail Standish dismissed a lawsuit brought against Local 257 (Nashville, TN) member Taylor Swift by Jessie Braham. Braham claimed that in writing the song “Shake It Off” Taylor took lyrics from his 2013 song “Haters Gone Hate.” The plaintiff had requested a waiver of the court filing fee as he […]
Read MoreNovember 12, 2015
Record Breaking Bow — The silver & ebony violin bow, made by Francois Xavier Tourte, is believed to have been owned by Polish virtuoso Bronislaw Huberman.
Read MoreNovember 9, 2015
Fast Food Workers Plan Strike for November 10 —The group Fight for $15 plans to mobilize many of the 64 million Americans who earn less than $15 an hour.
Read MoreNovember 6, 2015
Lyricizing Jazz —Pianist Jeffrey Todd Cohen of Local 802 (New York City) is passionate about transcribing the recordings of jazz icons and adding lyrics.
Read MoreNovember 6, 2015
Harvey Mason—Chameleon Is King of Versatility. He’s appears on 1,000+ albums & 150 motion picture soundtracks. It’s no wonder he’s called the Chameleon.
Read MoreNovember 6, 2015
Live Sound Spotlight — Just as you should work out all of the arrangements to your songs, you should also work out all the arrangements to your show.
Read MoreNovember 6, 2015
RVs and Elephants: Life Behind the Scenes for Ringling Gold Unit Musicians — Touring year-round withRingling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circuses.
Read MoreNovember 6, 2015
Tips for Safe Air Travels with Your Instrument — Customs, and other agencies have made improvements and reduced unexpected surprises when traveling by air.
Read MoreNovember 6, 2015
TMA: Broadway and Beyond — TMA represents theatre musicians around the country; the Theatre Committee represents theatre musicians in New York City.
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