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.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM

IM



Finding the Right Physical Therapist for Musicians

It’s important to find the right physical therapist for musicians because musicians are dealing with an entirely different world than everyone else.

Read More

A Look at Both Sides of the Audition Process

We take a look at both sides of the audition process to get a clear understanding of what the musicians and committee members go through…

Read More

JD-XA Analog/Digital Synthesizer

The JD-XA Analog/Digital Synthesizer from Roland is essentially two synths in one. Its analog and digital engines can be used side-by-side or layered together.

Read More

BMI Reports Record-Breaking Revenues and Distribution

Music rights management company Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) announced record-breaking revenue and royalty distributions for the fiscal year that ended June 30.

Read More

Women Farmworkers Win Massive Judgement

In early September the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a unanimous verdict of more than $17 million for victims of sexual harassment and retaliation at Moreno Farms, a small, now defunct farm outside of Immokalee, Florida.

Read More

Happy Birthday Finally Free

Yesterday US District Judge George H. King ruled the world’s most popular English-language song is free from copyright. The latest challenge to Warner/Chappell’s hold on the tune, worth around $2 million a year, came from a filmmaker.

Read More

Don’t Sweat It: Your Guide to Managing Stress

Professional musicians all deal with varying levels of stress. National and international tours, performance anxiety, a hectic schedule, and separation from friends and family for long periods of time are just some of the unique challenges musicians face.

Read More

Seattle Unions v. Seattle Times

Parents, teachers, and union leaders in Seattle are encouraging other working Americans to cancel their subscriptions to the Seattle Times.

Read More

Walker on Mission to Destroy Union

This week Presidential candidate and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker announced his plan to completely destroy labor unions and dismantle the labor board in the US. Though once a favorite to win the Republican nomination, Walker has fallen in the national polls and hopefully his plan to protect corporations, while removing worker protections and benefits.

Read More

The AFM Sues French Company for Failure to Pay Bands

At the end of August, Local 802 (New York City) filed suit against French company KIDAM for failure to pay more than 20 bands that were recorded at New York City’s Winter Jazzfest for commercial broadcast on French television

Read More

NEWS