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.
April 9, 2014
Designed especially for bass, this Electro-Hamonix Crying Bass wah/fuzz pedal is designed to go from smooth funk to rude growl. The 21st century chassis design has no moving parts and can profide lightening fast response. The fixed low-pass filter control ensures you never lose any bottom. Whether anchoring the bottom or stepping out aggressively, this […]
Read MoreApril 8, 2014
Recording musicians are delighted to welcome new Director of Electronic Media Services Division Bill Thomas, and we would like to thank AFM President Ray Hair and the AFM International Executive Board for bringing this fantastic professional and terrific person into our organization. We would also like to thank and honor retired EMSD Director Dick Gabriel, […]
Read MoreApril 6, 2014
Fair Trade Music (FTM) Seattle, with support from AFM Local 76-493, has won a significant victory: musician loading zones at several major clubs. This follows a similar win by AFM Local 257 (Nashville, TN), which gained similar zones in 2011. FTM is a grassroots campaign dedicated to raising the standard of living for all Seattle-area […]
Read MoreApril 5, 2014
The AFM proudly congratulates all its members who worked on Oscar-nominated films. Frozen won Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song. Its score composer, Christophe Beck, is a member of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA). Captain Phillips received six nominations, including Best Picture. Score composer Henry Jackman is a member of Local 47. Saving […]
Read MoreApril 5, 2014
I believe in unionism. I always have, from my earliest working days as a carpenter. I tried to join the Carpenters Union (closed shop, had to know someone). When I transitioned into being a professional, full-time musician, I joined the AFM. I’m not sure why I always felt that unions were a good thing. I […]
Read MoreApril 4, 2014
by Paul Williams, President and Chairman of the Board of ASCAP and member of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) Creating music is a collective art. Whether you are a musician or a songwriter, what you do with your musical gifts ultimately thrives when you collaborate. As the AFM has been for musicians, ASCAP has been […]
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April 1, 2014
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 […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2014
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 […]
Read MoreMarch 28, 2014
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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