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.
November 1, 2014
On Thursday, October 16, the AFM’s New York office celebrated milestone anniversaries of dedicated staff members Elizabeth Blake, Diane DePiro, Patrick Varriale, Lew Mancini, Kim Wysocki, and Judy Vizueta. The AFM-hosted luncheon acknowledged these key employees’ combined total years of service—an astounding 236 years (a number some colleagues thought was “made up”). Things have certainly […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
Yamaha’s Motif XF is the only Music Production Synthesizer on the market that’s available in white. It comes with 741 MB of internal wave ROM, and includes realistic digital re-creation of two grand piano sounds, acoustic instruments, vintage synths, and hip-hop sounds. Sturdy front panel knobs and sliders allow for quick changes during performance […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
Last year PRS Guitars introduced a 100-watt monster high gain amp head with bone-crushing crunch. This year’s Archon 50 continues that tradition in a tight package suitable for all genres and all spaces, no matter how big or small. With 50 watts, switchable to 25, via the amp’s back panel, the Archon 50 breaks up […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
Pearl’s popular Export Series drum kit is now available with a lacquer finish. EXL Export Lacquer Series incorporates Pearl’s Superior Shell Technology that puts sound first by blending premium poplar and rich mahogany for a lush, full-body tone. The kit also features Opti-Loc tom mounts, all-new 830 series hardware with a P-930 pedal, and a […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
In October, the New York City Council Committee on Cultural Affairs passed Resolution 207-A that endorses the Justice for Jazz Artists Campaign to improve the lives of jazz musicians working in New York City’s jazz clubs by providing retirement security through fair pay, pension contributions, recording rights protection, and processes for addressing grievances. New York’s […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
by Bruce Fife, AFM International Executive Board Member and President of Local 99 (Portland, OR) We are the union. It’s our union, and it works on a pretty simple premise that, when put into practice, can be used to create amazing outcomes. People try to make it more complicated than that, but the basis couldn’t be […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
At any given week each year, there are an average of 150 full-time AFM musicians touring throughout the US and Canada, in 20-plus musicals and three circuses. In addition to these traveling artists, touring shows provide part-time employment to hundreds of local musicians. Most productions travel with only a small core group of musicians, and […]
Read MoreOctober 30, 2014
The Kansas City Orchestra played the national anthem before Tuesday’s World Series game. “It was fantastic,” said the music director Michael Stern, “The energy was amazing.” The musicians were excited to play and were even given free tickets to the game. “We felt like rock stars out there.” said Michael Gordon and Cellist John Eadie […]
Read MoreOctober 7, 2014
Scholarship for Working Musicians The Future of Music Policy Summit is just around the corner and it is important that as many musicians attend as possible. This is why a limited number of musicians will be granted a scholarship so they will be able to attend. Not only that, but one of the scholarship attendees will be given […]
Read MoreOctober 7, 2014
Johnny Cash Exhibit The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix is getting a new addition to its already astounding collection. A Johnny Cash exhibit honoring the country music star along with the the Carter family has been unveiled. This exhibit features items never displayed for the public by what is considered the family that popularized country music. John Carter Cash […]
Read More