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.
May 27, 2020
There are probably a hundred reasons why an AFM member will agree to take a non-union job. But in the end, I would argue all those excuses do not justify the tremendous harm done to the musicians’ labor movement and the core principles of our union when professional musicians agree to take non-union work.
Read MoreMay 21, 2020
The Players Conferences Council consists of the top elected leader of each Player Conference and they have begun weekly videoconferencing amid COVID-19.
Read MoreMay 18, 2020
During this time of lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders, musicians and music teachers are finding creative ways to teach and earn income.
Read MoreMay 14, 2020
In many, if not most, of our ICSOM orchestras, we have succeeded in maintaining an environment of trust and cooperation in this unprecedented situation.
Read MoreMay 13, 2020
Find out what has been going on in the Symphonic Services Division amidst COVID-19 with this update from the SSD Director Rochelle Skolnick.
Read MoreMay 1, 2020
Music Is an Underrated Path to Social Justice When trumpet player Herb Smith of Local 66 (Rochester, NY) read the news about a peaceful Black Lives Matter rally being organized in downtown Rochester last summer, he knew he needed to take part in some way. This wasn’t a new feeling for him. Tall and dreadlocked, […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2020
Utah Symphony concertmaster Madeline Adkins discusses her journey to the first chair, what a concertmaster’s job entails, and how she has been coping with quarantine.
Read MoreMay 1, 2020
To view this article in English, click here. par Alan Willaert, vice-président de la FAM pour le Canada En 1927 est sorti un long métrage intitulé The Jazz Singer. Comme tout premier film parlant, il a sonné le glas de la présence des musiciens dans les cinémas à l’échelle de l’Amérique du Nord. Et la […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2020
An agreement has been reached in the California Assembly on pending amendments to California’s “Gig Economy” Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) that will provide relief to the majority of affected music professionals, including musicians, recording artists, composers, songwriters, and vocalists.
Read MoreMay 1, 2020
May is Better Hearing Month, so what better time to think about the value of your ears? Check out these results from Todd’s hearing protection field test.
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