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.
January 1, 2015
Fair Trade Music Seattle (FTMS) was launched through a public meeting in 2012. “We saw a major part of our industry in Seattle with no union presence,” explains Local 76-493 (Seattle, WA) President Motter Snell. “When affected musicians came to us, we took action. This has the potential to build new leadership, and help improve wages and working conditions for area musicians.”
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2015
Theresa Naglieri began working for the AFM June 24, 1958. She was just a few days out of high school when she joined the steno pool.
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2015
The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) begins the new calendar year with continued awareness that we clearly share the same challenges that the rest of the creative music community faces.
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2015
“New” films: The FMSMF received residuals for 137 “new” titles during the first seven months of the FMSMF 2014 fiscal year (from April 1 to October 31).
Read MoreDecember 29, 2014
If there is one drummer you could say has literally kept the beat for “everyone,” that drummer would likely be Steve Gadd, a member of Local 802 (New York City).
Read MoreDecember 16, 2014
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced the 2015 class of musicians who will be inducted next April. Green Day; Bill Withers; Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble; Lou Reed; Joan Jett and the Blackhearts; and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band make up the 2015 class of inductees. The members of Green Day […]
Read MoreDecember 8, 2014
The full list of the 2015 Grammy Awards have been revealed and we wanted to highlight and congratulate our fellow AFM members who were nominated. Best American Roots Performance Keb’ Mo’ local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) Best Rock Performance Arctic Monkeys’ members: Alex Turner (keyboard), Matt Helders (drums), and Jamie Cook (guitar) from local […]
Read MoreDecember 4, 2014
Bassist Nathan East will be inducted into the NAMM TEC Awards Hall of Fame by the NAMM Foundation. The induction will occur during the 30th Annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity Award show on January 24th in Anaheim, California. East has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry including: Daft Punk, […]
Read MoreDecember 1, 2014
Today is World AIDS Day and Sing for Hope is releasing AIDS Quilt Songbook: Sing for Hope, a new album featuring classical musicians and celebrities to benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research on their quest to end the AIDS epidemic. The musicians performing in the album ranges from rising stars to award-winning classical artists like Yo-Yo […]
Read MoreDecember 1, 2014
Among those honored at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in November were Local 257 (Nashville, TN) members Dierks Bentley, who was awarded Music Video of the Year for “Drunk on a Plane”; Blake Shelton, who was awarded Male Vocalist of the Year; and Mac McAnally who was awarded Musician of the Year.
Read More