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 1, 2015Read More
May 1, 2015Read More
May 1, 2015
Your passion for playing your instrument or singing means that you practice every day, year after year. Then, suddenly, nothing feels right. Changes in sensation or “feel,” over-development of the muscles of the mouth.
Read MoreMay 1, 2015
by Robert Baird, President Baird Artists Management (BAM!) The issue of United States Taxation for foreign artists came up in a recent letter: I have a band that is looking to play a corporate event in the US at the end of June. My accountant just informed me of the Central Withholding Agreement that could […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2015
Local 362-691 (Huntington, WV) honored one of its own for completing 69 years as a member and for serving the past 32 years as its secretary-treasurer. Huntington auto dealer Bill Spurlock was also recognized for his service to the union and the community.
Read MoreMay 1, 2015
The Local 4 Music Fund, a nonprofit organization run by Local 4 (Cleveland, OH), just concluded its fourth annual Academic Residency Calendar (ARC) partnership with local government and arts and philanthropic organizations to present music residencies in Cuyahoga and Lorain County, Ohio.
Read MoreMay 1, 2015
As of May 1, the new Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) grant application management system will be fully operational. The online system has been ramping up over the past several months in order to provide greater security, less maintenance, and a much more cost-effective process for providing funding for free live performances throughout the US and Canada.
Read MoreMay 1, 2015
The Film Fund and Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) are teaming up with organizations in the US and Canada to bring live music to older adults at senior centers this year. Named MusicianFest, the program will stage up to 500 free performances at senior centers in an effort to bring the positive impact of music […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2015
The move to alter the laws to make all states “right to work” states is gaining momentum. State legislatures overloaded with conservative elected officials who have strong ties to the innocuously named American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) are hell-bent on doing away with unions.
Read MoreMay 1, 2015
The AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labor Congress (CLC) have reaffirmed their opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), and Fast Track legislation that allows no amendments and limited debate on trade deals.
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