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.
January 2, 2016
AFM 2016 Convention — The 100th Convention of the American Federation of Musicians will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, beginning Monday, June 20, and concluding Thursday, June 23.
Read MoreJanuary 2, 2016
New Film to Document Bristol Sessions — A new film commissioned by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and the Viriginia Tourism Corporation will celebrate the 1927 Bristol Sessions, often referred to as the Big Bang of Country Music.
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Happy Birthday Settlement — In September, Chief US District Judge King in Los Angeles, who ruled that Warner/Chappell does not own a copyright to the lyrics.
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2016
As we greet the New Year, we take the time to reflect on the past and resolve to do things better in the coming year. So, with my best wishes for success in 2016, here are some New Year’s resolutions for musicians working in foreign lands:
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2016
How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions — One study of New Year’s resolvers published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology showed that, after six months, only 46% of the subjects had keep their resolutions.
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2016
App Could Block Cell Phone Usage — For the last several years, artists have had to accept constant video recording and photo taking by fans during concerts.
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2016
Cleveland Contract Provides Raises — The deal is retroactive to August 31 and is effective through 2017-2018 season.
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The Hartford Symphony Orchestra (HSO) board has threatened that the symphony could shut down at the end of January unless its musicians make significant concessions.
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2016
As Rush rounded out its three-month, 34-city R40 tour last year it felt like, and was, the end of an era. Band members Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, and Neil Peart weren’t shy about admitting that this was most likely the last large-scale tour for the Canadian trio, if not their last tour altogether. The whole […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2016
Bill C-377 On Its Way Out — The controversial law would have required unions to disclose finite details of their spending.
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