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, International Musician

CDs and B-4 Report Forms Ensure Your Projects Are Covered

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.


Finding the Correct AFM Streaming Agreement

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.


Announcing the New Term of the Local Limited Pressing Agreement

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).


Live Performance Contracts: How They Relate to Electronic Media

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.


Additional Extension to the Commercial Announcements Agreement

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).


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

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.


EMSD Special Issue Highlights

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.)


Top 10 Important Reasons to Record Under AFM Agreements

Top 10 Important Reasons to Record Under AFM Agreements.


Today’s Reality TV Contracts

A conundrum that we frequently face when administering television agreements is how they apply to so-called reality TV. Early on, there was a tendency to designate all reality television programs as falling under the Television Videotape Agreement


Little Cog in a Big Machine

When people ask me about my job I struggle to tell them precisely what my work means to me and what it is I do. I’m a horribly irreverent person, so I say something like, “I work in an office environment where we can spend 10 minutes one-upping each other with puns and it is not an atypical moment for anyone.”








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