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.
September 1, 2024
As election day approaches, I would like to take a moment to recognize the importance of politics to our union, and the work of our own National Legislative Office. From this Washington, DC base, the AFM is able to build relationships with political allies and lobby for issues that are important to musicians and other […]
Read MoreAugust 1, 2024
I am pleased to announce that our pension fund’s application for Special Financial Assistance (SFA), provided through the multiemployer pension rescue plan, has been officially approved. The American Federation of Musicians and Employers’ Pension Fund (AFM-EPF) will receive the restorative funding this month. The funding ($1,440,137,839 of assistance, plus $87,701,535.81 in interest from December 31, […]
Read MoreJuly 1, 2024
Following the Second Quarter AFM International Executive Board (IEB) meeting, held June 12-14 at the Motor City Casino in Detroit, Michigan, I have been reflecting on the considerable progress the Federation has made in the last 11 months. In April, the Education Committee launched the new AFM Officer Training program at the Western Conference of […]
Read MoreJune 1, 2024
I was honored to represent the AFM at the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) 114th Executive Committee Meeting in Bucharest, Romania, May 23-24. FIM brings together musician unions from all corners of the globe. Members of the executive committee discussed issues that affect musicians worldwide, including the environment, equality, exploitation of recorded music, and artificial […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2024
Since becoming AFM president, I have met with members all across the Federation and there is one common theme: if we want to grow, if we want more work opportunities, and a more inclusive industry, we need to change the culture and how we do business. Safe Workplaces In the following months the AFM will […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2024
If we have learned anything over the past few years it is the importance of building solidarity and alliances both nationally and internationally. In today’s interconnected world, the music industry transcends borders. Musicians tour globally, collaborate internationally, and can easily reach fans around the world. We look to organizations like the International Federation of Musicians […]
Read MoreMarch 1, 2024
I am pleased to announce we’ve reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers Association on the most recent Basic Theatrical Motion Picture and Basic Television Motion Picture contracts. After the initial 10 days of negotiations in January, we returned to the bargaining table February 21 and 22 determined to […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2024
As I write this column, orchestras and musical ensembles across the country are wrapping up their holiday concerts and preparing to spend some time with friends and loved ones. I begin 2024 with a spirit of renewed focus for an ever-improving workplace for our members, whether that is in a recording studio, on stage, in […]
Read MoreDecember 1, 2023
Just four months into my AFM presidency, I can say that it has been quite a year. At the beginning of the year, I was honored to be designated a “Labor Power Player” by the news sites amNY and PoliticsNY, perhaps this was foreshadowing as to how busy I was about to become. As Local […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2023
As fall sets in, it brings the season of heavy negotiations. Currently, we are in the process of bargaining a new theater contract, also known as Pamphlet B. In order to stand up to the producers and secure better economic terms and protections against employment erosion, we need to remain united across the board. This […]
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