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.
March 30, 2020
The ICSOM is doing what they can to protect their musicians and aid in slowing the spread of the virus, including closing down orchestras.
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020
To view this article in English, click here. par Robert Fraser, président de l’OMOSC et membre de la section locale 247 (Victoria, C.-B.) Au moment d’écrire ces lignes, il y a exactement une semaine que mon orchestre, le Victoria Symphony, a annulé un concert à un peu moins de quatre heures d’avis. C’était le soir du […]
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020
Find out from Robert Fraser, OCSM President, how OCSM responds to COVID-19 crisis by communicating with orchestras and compiling information.
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020
The Symphonic Services Division (SSD) of the AFM jumped in early to negotiate a side letter to the Integrated Media Agreement (IMA) with the Employer’s Electronic Media Association (EMA) to cover electronic media that could be distributed to our audiences in place of live performances.
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020
This message is intended to provide (1) legal guidance regarding the application of force majeure and (2) practical guidance as to steps you may want to take in dealing with management.
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020
The Symphonic Services Division has been fielding inumerous calls and emails working to protect musicians compensation during this COVID-19 outbreak.
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020
Music has lasting value, but that value is not automatically granted to the creator. Ultimately, it is up to you to stand up for yourself and your rights as a creator of intellectual property by working under an AFM contract.
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020
Theres no doubt that crises show why we organize. Here are some examples of how our collective power can make a difference for musicians.
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020
To view this article in English, click here. par Alan Willaert, vice-président de la FAM pour le Canada La Société canadienne des auteurs, compositeurs et éditeurs de musique (SOCAN), l’organisme de gestion des droits d’auteur du Canada qui représente plus de 135,000 auteurs, compositeurs et éditeurs canadiens, a livré quelques données relatives à ses collectes […]
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020
While our union officials have been monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and potential impacts on musicians since it first became a global health emergency in late January, once music events began being canceled and restrictions on large gatherings were announced by both US and Canadian officials in early March, that is when the impact on musicians and their livelihoods became stark.
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