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.
May 29, 2015
Kala’s five-string SUB series solid body U-Bass is a short-scale, travel friendly instrument.
Read MoreMay 29, 2015
The AFM is suing six major studios (Columbia, Paramount, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal, Walt Disney, and Warner Brothers) for reusing film soundtrack clips in other films and television programs without appropriately compensating musicians.
Read MoreMay 28, 2015
The National Music Publishers’ Association has filed a copyright infringement suit against Wolfgang’s Vault on behalf of several music publishers. Wolfgang’s Vault disseminates concert videos and audio recordings through multiple websites, including ConcertVault.com, Daytrotter.com and MusicVault.com, as well as YouTube.
Read MoreMay 28, 2015
US District Judge Philip Gutierrez granted a motion for a class action lawsuit over SiriusXM’s performance of pre-1972 sound recordings. The lawsuit will cover anyone who owns a pre-1972 sound recording that’s been played on the satellite radio service after August 21, 2009.
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May 28, 2015
After a long winter of indoor gigs and stuffy practice rooms, you’d jump on any chance to finally play outdoors. But, before you head outside to enjoy these fun opportunities, take a little time to consider how to stay healthy in the heat and sun. Here are nine things to consider:
Read MoreMay 28, 2015
Ignorer les exigences fiscales d’un pays étranger peut entraîner des complications imprévues, comme l’illustre bien la lettre qui suit : Nous avons envoyé un ensemble américain au Canada en 2013. Nous avions obtenu au préalable l’approbation d’une dispense de retenue R105, mais nous n’avions pas réalisé qu’il nous fallait produire une déclaration de revenus canadienne. Nous […]
Read MoreMay 28, 2015
Ignoring the taxation requirements of a foreign country can lead to unforeseen complications, as this letter illustrates:
Read MoreMay 28, 2015
At the end of April, the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF), the Film Funds Trust Fund, and Local 72-147 (Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX) helped Denton, Texas, celebrate its arts community at the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival. This free public event features around 3,000 performers and attracts more than 200,000 attendees annually. All of the musicians paid to perform at the event are union members.
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