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.

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International Federation of Musicians (FIM) Conference

The 3rd International Federation of Musicians (FIM) International Orchestra Conference (IOC) was held from February 24-26 in Oslo, Norway. The American Federation of Musicians sent a five-person delegation consisting of AFM President Ray Hair, AFM Symphonic Services Division Director Jay Blumenthal, International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians Chair Bruce Ridge, Regional Orchestra Players’ Association […]

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Canadian Members Perform at Canadian Blast SXSW Showcase

It’s been two years since the AFM Canadian Office has been to SXSW, but this year the CFM decided to go back and take part in the Canadian Blast SXSW showcases, presented by the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA). CIMA undertakes various initiatives to raise the profile and increase the success of the independent music […]

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Working America and Union Plus are Ready to Help you with Health Insurance

Finding and signing up for a new health care plan isn’t always easy. With only a few days left to get health insurance, we want you to get covered quickly and without any headaches. Our friends at Working America and Union Plus are working with recommended licensed agents at GoHealth to guide you at no […]

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Tom Petty to Receive Founders Award

The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) will honor Tom Petty of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) with its Founders Awards during its April 23 Pop Music Awards gala, which celebrates the songwriters and publishers of the most performed songs of 2013. Past Founders Award winners have include Burt Bacharach of Local 47 […]

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Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Delays Iran Trip

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has postponed its trip to Iran, which was planned for the late August/early September time frame. The joint project with the Pittsburgh-based American Middle East Institute will now most likely take place within six months of the original date. The delay was attributed to complicated preparations. The delay will also give […]

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Milwaukee Raises Needed Funds

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra announced it has successfully completed its $5 million emergency fundraising drive thanks to 1,408 new individual donors who made average contributions of $340.25 each. The campaign, which began in December, was necessary to pay off a $2 million shortfall and plan a balanced budget for the 2014-2015 season.

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Canadian Juno Gala to be Streamed Live

For the first time this year the Juno Gala Dinner & Awards, held March 29, the evening before the 2014 Juno Awards Broadcast, will be streamed live on www.junoawards.ca. The Juno awards are given out annually by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) to the stars of Canadian music. New members are […]

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Early Release of Cash’s “Lost LP”

A long anticipated album of 12 previously unheard songs that Johnny Cash recorded between 1981 and 1984 is finally available today. The label had dropped Cash before the songs were released and set the master tapes aside. They were discovered by archivists at Sony Legacy and Cash’s son, John Carter Cash, last year. Among the […]

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Rapper Common Supporting Nissan Workers

Rap star and actor Common will perform on Friday at Jackson State University at a free concert to support the United Auto Workers’ attempt to organize Nissan Canton.  The United Auto Workers (UAW) is currently running a campaign to push for a union vote at the Canton, Mississippi location.  Common will be joined by other local […]

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Kit in a Box

Need to fit drums into a tight space? The Meinl Traditional Cajon might fit the bill. It has a sizzling rattle effect produced by strings that touch the Makah-Burl front plate on the inside, spanning from top to bottom. An integrated adjustable string mute system allows you to control the string tension and adjust its […]

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