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, 2025
As always, it is an honor to welcome you to this year’s issue of the International Musician focused on electronic media and the Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD). This division serves and protects the interests of nonsymphonic recording musicians. (The AFM Symphonic Services Division represents symphony, opera, ballet, and chamber orchestra electronic media projects.) While […]
September 1, 2025
by Rebecca Gurnee, AFM Electronic Media Services Division Assistant Director This winter, the AFM reached a tentative agreement with ABC, CBS, and NBC on a successor Television Videotape Agreement, the Federation agreement covering musicians’ work on live television programs such as variety, talk, news, and sports. After months of bargaining, strategic coalition-building, and a tremendous […]
September 1, 2025
by Mary Contini-Migliore, AFM Electronic Media Services Division, Sound Recording Supervisor Many artists wonder whether disc jockeys can be covered under AFM electronic media agreements. The question of their coverage eligibility has floated around for years, specifically as it relates to working under our Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA). So, can DJs be covered by […]
September 1, 2025
Let’s say you are called into a recording studio to record a track for a major artist. It seems the same as any other session you’ve ever done under the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA), and you expect to be paid that way. Later, you find out that the song was actually recorded for use […]
September 5, 2024
On September 4, AFM members and supporters gathered to kick off negotiations for a new Live TV and Video contract with the major networks. Led by the Five Borough Brass band, members of AFM Local 802 (New York City), the rally brought together musicians and other entertainment union members to advocate for fair compensation and […]
September 1, 2024
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this year’s International Musician issue focused on electronic media and the Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD). This division serves and protects the interests of nonsymphonic recording musicians. The AFM Symphonic Services Division represents symphony, opera, ballet, and chamber orchestra electronic media projects. Last December, EMSD hired Rebecca […]
September 1, 2024
by Rebecca Gurnee, AFM Electronic Media Services Division Assistant Director In January and February 2024, the AFM made significant strides in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), resulting in a new set of Basic Theatrical and Basic Television Motion Picture agreements. These negotiations, culminating in an agreement on February 23, […]
September 1, 2024
Updates and New Options for Houses of Worship and Social Media There will probably be a year in the future in which the AFM’s Internet Streaming Agreement has not changed. Unfortunately, this is not that year. However, deviations from the previous framework are not vast. We attempt to always provide the most up-to-date information to […]
September 1, 2023
It is my honor to welcome you to this year’s issue of the International Musician focused on electronic media and the Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD). This division is charged with serving and protecting the interests of nonsymphonic recording musicians. (AFM Symphonic Services Division represents symphony, opera, ballet, and chamber orchestra electronic media projects.) Two […]
September 1, 2023
There is no denying that internet streaming is the fastest changing area in which Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD) administers agreements. While we attempt to always provide the most up-to-date information possible to musicians, local officers, and employers alike, the last thing we want to find is that someone has made decisions based on information […]