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 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.
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2016
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.
Read MoreDecember 31, 2015
Union Provides Canadian Workers with Funds — Citing liabilities of $4.5 million it is unlikely the employees will ever see the severance payments they are entitled to under their collective agreement.
Read MoreDecember 30, 2015
Merchandising Is Extra Money and Free Promotion — If you have fan support, and you’re merchandising, you’re actually not doing all the promotional work yourself. For every T-shirt and every bumper sticker you sell, you are creating a walking or driving billboard for your band.
Read MoreDecember 30, 2015
Big Bird Remains Union — Earlier this year, Sesame Workshop announced a partnership with HBO bringing first-run episodes of Sesame Street exclusively to HBO for the next five years.
Read MoreDecember 29, 2015
Flint Symphony Broadcast Wins Award — Bill Harris producer of a Flint Symphony Orchestra (FSO) broadcast won an “Aurora Awards” in the category Entertainment/Documentary—Music/Life concert for his FSO recording of “A Patriotic Salute”—Music in the Parks.
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