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.
April 23, 2015
David Heiss of Local 802 (New York City, NY) was lucky enough to play the world’s first ever printed Cello. It also has a stylish futuristic design and only one string. Not that it holds David Heiss back from seeing what it can do. You can watch him play the beast below.
Read MoreApril 23, 2015
Music is too big a world for a one-size-fits-all model of music career success. Musicians’ career paths are as unique as their fingerprints. Nevertheless, there are a few guidelines that I believe apply to anyone trying to make a living and a career out of their love of musi
Read MoreApril 21, 2015
Every musician has certain muscle groups he or she uses repetitively. These muscles develop greater strength than their opposite muscles, and this unequal strengthening can lead to tightness and inflamed tendons. This effect is especially seen in the hands, and all musicians use their hands to play instruments. The key to preventing tendonitis or Carpal […]
Read MoreApril 15, 2015
Fair Play Fair Pay Act of 2015, introduced by representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Marsh Blackburn (R-TN) would finally ensure that musicians are compensated fairly when their music is played on any radio platform—Internet, satellite, or traditional AM/FM.
Read MoreMarch 31, 2015
“ Buy This Fracking Album. ” It will include 22 artists to spread the dangers of fracking. All the songs have been donated and the proceeds from the album will be sent to groups working towards a ban on fracking.
Read MoreMarch 30, 2015
When Star Wars: The Force Awakens plays in a theater on December 18, 2015, the music will be the sounds of the local 47 members and not the London Symphony Orchestra,
Read MoreMarch 25, 2015
The oil worker strike has grown even larger as oil workers at three more refineries and a chemical plant joined the United Steelworkers (USW) strike…
Read MoreMarch 25, 2015
AFM Obtains Settlement for SPCO Musicians and is pleased with this resolution that protects the SPCO musicians’ right to engage in union activities.
Read MoreMarch 25, 2015
The American Symphony Orchestra to Cut Concerts in an attempt to save money and will only play 4 concerts this year instead of six.
Read MoreMarch 25, 2015
In December, the San Francisco Symphony opened its new performance space, SoundBox, a multi-level venue with a lounge atmosphere built at the back of Davis Symphony Hall
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