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.

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Electronic Media Services

Canadian Agreements Involving Electronic Media Services


Thanks to EMSD Canada Office Staff

en français As most of you know, the September issue of International Musician focused on electronic media and the Electronic Media Services Division. I am extremely happy to hear of the positive feedback that has been received in connection with the articles and features contained in this issue, as well as the contributions made by […]


Getting Paid for Prep: Ensuring Your Services Are Compensated Properly

Much of the time, the music preparation work is done well in advance of a scoring session, which means, if the personnel are not careful, they could be left off the report form when the project is filed.


Collecting “New Use” Payments under EMSD Agreements

New Use Collections Are at an All-time High; This Is How You Can Get a Piece of the Pie


EMSD 101: How to Select the Correct Agreement for Your Project

The following list of questions is supplied for the purpose of ascertaining necessary information so that rates from the appropriate agreement may be provided.


45 Years in the EMSD

In October, AFM Electronic Media Services Division Director and Assistant to the President Pat Varriale will be celebrating 45 years in the EMSD.


EMSD Staff

The following EMSD “who’s who” puts faces with names and summarizes job responsibilities for our EMSD staff.


This Year’s EMSD Special Issue Is Extra Special

Welcome to this month’s issue of International Musician, which focuses on the Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD)—the division of the AFM responsible for serving and protecting the interests of non-symphonic recording musicians.


Commercial Announcements Shift from Catchy Jingles to Hit Singles

Despite the effectiveness of these little ditties, many advertising agencies are trading in the jingle tactic for a new approach that took off in the mid-1980s when Pepsi started using celebrities to endorse their products.


Getting to Know the EMSD Staff

As we so frequently get caught up in the day-to-day grind of business and the pursuit of agreements and payments, it can be difficult to make time to get to know each other. The following EMSD “who’s who” puts faces to the names and summarizes job responsibilities for our Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD) staff.








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