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.
August 28, 2014
In what could be deemed the most colossal pay to play scheme ever, the NFL has reportedly asked potential Super Bowl halftime performers if they would be willing to pay the league to play at its big game.
Read MoreAugust 23, 2014
Neil Young: Waging Heavy Peace With a career spanning more than 40 years, Neil Young of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) is one of the most enduring and popular singer-songwriters of all time. In his first autobiographic memoir he reflects on his life, from childhood in Canada to the ’60s with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, […]
Read MoreAugust 19, 2014
The Metropolitan Opera in New York has reached a tentative settlement with two major unions yesterday morning – Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians which represents the orchestra and American Guild of Musical Arts represents the singers and dancers. Both sides negotiated through the night and early into Monday morning to reach an agreement, with […]
Read MoreAugust 18, 2014
AT&T has announced that union members can save big on their monthly wireless service plans. AT&T is the only national unionized wireless service company, and wants to extend their savings to other union members. AFM members can save 15% on their monthly wireless bill with the Union Plus AT&T Discount Program. Members can also get […]
Read MoreAugust 16, 2014
Beyond a Love Supreme: John Coltrane and the Legacy of an Album In Beyond a Love Supreme: John Coltrane and the Legacy of an Album, author and jazz professor Tony Whyton provides a detailed analysis of this legendary album. He attempts to interpret it in a spiritual context, comparing it to some of Coltrane’s later […]
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August 6, 2014
For the past 36 years, labor-minded musicians and other artists have gathered at the Great Labor Arts Exchange to celebrate creativity and solidarity. It is a weekend of workshops, films, discussion, poetry, jam sessions, and open mikes, sponsored by the Labor Heritage Foundation. At this year’s gathering, Local 1000 (nongeographic) members Pat Wynne of San […]
Read MoreAugust 4, 2014
by Alfonso M. Pollard, AFM Legislative-Political Director and Diversity Director Instrument Carry-on Talks The AFM recently participated in historic instrument carry-on talks at the Department of Transportation (DOT). Meanwhile, the ivory debate shows some progress.
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August 1, 2014
May was International Drum Month and an apt time to launch a collaboration between the Local 4 (Cleveland, OH) Music Fund and the Percussion Marketing Council (PMC). The Rainey Institute in downtown Cleveland provided the connection and venue for hosting the first two performances of four special presentations funded in-part through the PMC’s Percussion in […]
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