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.
June 12, 2014
The Tommy Emmanuel Experience explores the incredible talent and charisma of one of the world’s greatest guitar players. As fan Dick Ward follows Emmanuel to concerts and workshops all around the country, he discovers, not only the depth of the Australian guitarist’s genius, but the man behind the guitar as well. This is not just […]
Read MoreJune 11, 2014
Containing the heartfelt contributions of 135 industry singers, producers, engineers, coaches, doctors, agents, managers, and social media gurus, The Ultimate Guide to Singing offers singers insights that only come from years of valuable experience. The content follows a singer’s life and includes information on a wide variety of topics: getting gigs, working with gear, improving […]
Read MoreJune 10, 2014
Grammy winning Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member Nathan East is one of the most prolific working bassists of the last few decades. In 1984 he co-wrote the hit single “Easy Lover” with Phil Collins and Local 47 member Philip Bailey, launching a mind-boggling progression of successful, award-winning collaborations.
Read MoreJune 10, 2014
Welcome to a new column in International Musician that will focus on the complexities of international touring in North America. It will assist AFM members form the US touring in Canada and Canadian AFM (CFM) members touring in the US.
Read MoreJune 9, 2014
Musicians of the Phoenix Symphony have ratified a one-year agreement, six months ahead of the expiration of their current contract. The new agreement goes into effect September 15, 2014 and will cover the period through October 31, 2015. This is the fourth consecutive one-year agreement; the first included a wage freeze and the following three […]
Read MoreJune 7, 2014
After more than a month of unsuccessful attempts to reach Lionsgate Entertainment CEO Jon Feltheimer through letters and phone calls, it was time to pay him a visit. Rank-and-file musicians wanted to discuss Lionsgate’s practice of offshoring its musical scoring to distant countries—something that limits local musicians’ ability to earn a living and deprives our […]
Read MoreJune 5, 2014
Ceaseless Creator of Fresh Sounds in Music Al Jarreau’s innovative vocal style and vibrant personality have earned him wide appeal and Grammy Awards in three different genres of music: jazz, pop, and R&B.
Read MoreMay 20, 2014
Musicians are among the most gifted, focused, and hardworking individuals you will ever encounter, yet many of them find themselves struggling professionally from time to time.
Read MoreMay 19, 2014
Union Privilege (UP) understands the value of home. For years, we’ve offered mortgage grants to help our members make payments in times of hardship, and provided discounts on heating and cooling to keep those homes comfortable. Because we believe that everyone deserves a safe, comfortable, and affordable home, we’ve made it our mission to team […]
Read MoreMay 18, 2014
Labor Notes is a Detroit-based media and organizing project that has been the voice of union activists who want to “put the movement back in the labor movement” since 1979.
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