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 3, 2019
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.
September 27, 2018
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.
September 24, 2018
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.
September 23, 2018
The importance of our CD Jacket Program has continued to grow over the years. Securing the release of all sound recording product (including box sets, anniversary packages, deluxe editions), which usually contain live and previously unreleased material, keeps this department busy. Coordinating the proper filing of B-4 forms for these recordings, as well as all recordings done under the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) is as vital as ever.
September 19, 2018
The Federation’s streaming agreements are continuously evolving to respond to the industry. Outlined here are our four main streaming agreements and a brief overview of their terms and conditions.
September 18, 2018
Local officers have been notified of a pension contribution increase, as well as the effective dates of the current Limited Pressing Agreement (LPA). Its term—February 1, 2017 through January 31, 2020—runs concurrently with the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA).
September 16, 2018
When there is a live performance taking place it is extremely important for the musicians engaged to be protected with an AFM-approved live performance contract.
September 6, 2018
Effective June 1, an agreement for an additional extension to the Commercial Announcements Agreement was reached between the AFM and the ANA-4A’s Joint Policy Committee on Broadcast Talent Union Relations (JPC).
September 5, 2018
The following questions will help determine which rates and agreement should be applied to your recording. Always contact the AFM to confirm which contract you should be using.
September 4, 2018
The Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD) is the division of the AFM charged with serving and protecting the interests of nonsymphonic recording musicians. (The AFM Symphonic Services Division represents opera, ballet, and chamber orchestra electronic media projects.)