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

Are You a Leader?

Think back to 10 years ago. How did you record your music? How did you rehearse? Who paid for your recording time? The way to make music is constantly upgrading. It’s taking less space, less equipment, less hassle, and sometimes less money. With that, the result has led to one truth: we’re making more music, faster than ever before, and it’s not slowing down.


D and B-4 Report Forms: Ensuring Musicians Are Properly Listed

The importance of our CD Jacket Program has grown over the years and continues to grow.


Original Made-for-New-Media Motion Picture Productions

Original made-for-new-media motion pictures should not be confused with other types of new media productions, such as live concerts captured for streaming on the Internet or other devices, which are covered by a different AFM agreement.


Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About Electronic Media

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About Electronic Media


A Brief Introduction to EMSD

It is with great pride that I present to you this year’s International Musician focus issue dedicated to musicians that perform or plan to perform services in the world of electronic media (nonsymphonic) and the division of the AFM that serves and protects the interests of those musicians—the Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD).


B-4 Reminder to Local Officers and Staff

This story serves as a perfect reminder to all local officers and staff to please be sure to forward to the AFM copies of all B forms and music preparation invoices your local receives for recording projects.


52-Week All Media Cycle Addition in Commercial Announcements Agreement

There’s a new addition to the AFM Commercial Announcements Agreement. At the end of negotiations of the Commercial Announcements Agreement, June 5, 2014, the American Federation of Musicians and the Joint Policy Committee (JPC) agreed to add a new 52-week cycle in the all media initial use cycle and re-use cycle.


How to Handle Professional Sideline Work

In recent years, there has been steady sideline work across the US and Canada, in towns and cities, large and small, for television and motion picture production…


New Use Department Has a Cubicle for You

It takes a special group of people to create an effective and productive New Use Department, and that includes you.


Protect the Product: Don’t Skip the “Red Tape” of Union Requirements

In the old days, we would refer to it as protecting the tape, but with new technology, protect the product seems more appropriate. No matter what the terminology, it is as important today as it ever was.








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