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.
January 31, 2020
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has secured $6 million in operating gifts as well as a $1.25 million endowment gift in the past month to ensure that it can move forward with the transformative, multi-year planning efforts currently underway. Funds will provide immediate cash flow and balance sheet relief as well as position the orchestra […]
Read MoreJanuary 31, 2020
Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) announced the launch of SFS Media’s new Digital Concert Series on Apple Music and all major streaming and download platforms on January 10. In celebration of Thomas’s 25th and final season as music director, the series will include live concert recordings from 2019–2020 season […]
Read MoreJanuary 31, 2020
by Jeffery Whaley, Secretary-Treasurer, Local 546 (Knoxville, TN) Members of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, along with Local 546 (Knoxville, TN) leaders, returned to the bargaining table with orchestra management on December 18, 2019. In an escalation of concerted action, the musicians’ negotiating team brought with them rank-and-file musicians (wearing “Musicians of the Knoxville Symphony” t-shirts) […]
Read MoreJanuary 31, 2020
The financial cost that Canadian musicians must currently undertake in order to perform in the US may soon increase drastically. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed increasing its fees, and implementing administrative changes for the O and P visas required for international guest artists performing in the United States. The proposed changes […]
Read MoreJanuary 31, 2020
Classical guitarist Renaud Côté-Giguère, of Local 406 (Montreal, PQ), was named one of 15 finalists in the Portugal International Guitar Composition Competition, and recently traveled to Seixal, Portugal to participate in the final competition round. Côté-Giguère was the only participant from Canada and one of only two participants from North America. The first round of […]
Read MoreJanuary 31, 2020
Folk artist, pioneer, and 45-year member of the AFM Joni Mitchell received the prestigious Les Paul Innovation Award at the 35th Annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards (NAMM TEC Awards) on January 18. The award is given on behalf of the Les Paul Foundation to honor individuals that have set the highest standards of excellence in creative application […]
Read MoreJanuary 31, 2020
On December 30, 2019, the American Federation of Musicians and Employers’ Pension Fund (AFM-EPF) submitted an application to the US Treasury Department to reduce benefits under the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (MPRA) in order to prevent the Plan from becoming insolvent. “We know that our participants have anticipated this difficult moment for some time. Now […]
Read MoreJanuary 16, 2020
At 72, singer and songwriter Laura Vinson has lost none of the natural beauty of her voice. In her striking visual performances, images of elders hover above Native dancers, as ancient drum rhythms summon the past. Her music is not characterized by gritty protest, but the emotional pull is palpable: part dissent, part nostalgia, part […]
Read MoreJanuary 14, 2020
Fender has launched its new lineup of electric guitars and basses, the American Ultra Series, which boasts all-new modern features, state-of-the-art craftsmanship, and nuanced design.
Read MoreJanuary 10, 2020
Effective January 1, 2020, members who belonged to three or more AFM Locals throughout 2019 can petition the AFM Secretary-Treasurer for a “rebate equal to the per capita dues received by the Federation” for that member’s membership in each AFM Local in excess of two. (Members pay their Federation per capita dues as a portion […]
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