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.
February 25, 2015
Gordon Goodwin is humbled when he looks back at where his career has taken him—he’s scored dozens of films and television shows from the late 1970s to today and toured the world with his wildly successful Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band
Read MoreFebruary 25, 2015
The Regional Orchestra Players Association (ROPA) Executive Board works diligently to provide a unique conference experience at each annual meeting
Read MoreFebruary 25, 2015
The Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) is a renowned (and sometimes feared) research and public policy powerhouse based in Los Angeles.
Read MoreFebruary 25, 2015
If you have ever heard me speak about the mission of the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF), you might remember that I invariably request photos, whenever possible.
Read MoreFebruary 25, 2015
It’s a new year and it’s time to start thinking about getting a refund of taxes withheld in a foreign country by filing a nonresident tax return.
Read MoreFebruary 23, 2015
It’s been nearly 10 years that I’ve been managing and marketing professional cover bands and musicians. It’s an understatement to say the market has changed. By changed I mean it’s gotten tougher to secure bookings, a lot tougher.
Read MoreFebruary 20, 2015
Steven Bernstein of Local 802 (New York, NY) first met Henry Butler decades ago and was impressed to say the least. He remembers thinking:
Read MoreFebruary 19, 2015
Famous jazz vocalist and Grammy winner, Al Jarreau Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), taught a master class to a group of students from three separate performing arts schools in the Philadelphia area as part of the Mann Center for the Performing Arts’ three day Artists N Residency program.
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2015
Every orchestra is a little special, but the Springfield Symphony Orchestra has a something a little extra special. Four marries spouses all play together in the orchestra. Doug and Lori Wright, Fred and Genie Thiergartner, Arturo and Jennifer Araya, and Joe and Angela Heck Mueller.
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2015
So you’ve landed a gig. Awesome! Maybe it’s your first one, or maybe you’ve been at it for years. Either way, there are few things to remember when preparing to head off into the gig unknown
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