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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International Musician, Organizing

Report on the 2020 AFL-CIO MLK Civil and Human Rights Conference: “Give Us the Ballot”

From January 17-19, I had the great pleasure of representing the AFM at the 2020 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference, held at the Capitol Hilton in Washington, D.C. The theme of the conference, “Give Us the Ballot, Political Boot Camp,” emphasized the importance of us getting out to vote and making sure our members understand why the 2020 election is critical.


Income Tax Filing for Canadian Musicians – T1 Tax Return Revised

Here are some highlights and things to remember for musicians who do their own income tax filing in Canada from tax specialist Normal Slongo.


Tax Tips for American Musicians

Here are some tax tips for American musicians, as well as answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about taxes.


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.


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).


Musicians Must Build Solidarity in a Future Full of Streaming

As all media becomes streaming media, we are faced with an existential threat. We must negotiate sustainable contracts for when musicians create music for streaming media.


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.








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