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.
November 1, 2024
As I write this column just weeks before Election Day, I am inspired to highlight a tangible demonstration of union support from the Biden-Harris administration. On Friday, September 27, musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, members of Local 161-710 (Washington, DC), went on strike. As I walked toward the Kennedy Center that morning, I called […]
October 1, 2024
It is my pleasure writing this column on my first official day as AFM director of government affairs. I am thrilled to serve under the leadership of AFM President Tino Gagliardi. I believe that lobbying is, at its best, good storytelling. While advocating for the AFM’s interests before lawmakers and government officials, I will be […]
September 28, 2024
The AFM was proud to be among the many sponsoring guests at the annual banquet with Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) on September 15 at the Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel. Chu, who has long been a friend to musicians, is running for reelection to continue representing the 28th District in the US House. “I so […]
September 1, 2024
It’s no surprise that Vice President Kamala Harris features Beyoncé’s “Freedom” at campaign rallies. With permission from the artist, the cathartic anthem graced Harris’ first campaign ad, in which she says, “There are some people who think that we should be a country of chaos, of fear, of hate. But us? We choose something different: We […]
September 1, 2024
As a lobbyist, Alfonso Pollard had a keen understanding of musicians’ issues because he started out as one. He obtained a Bachelor of Music degree from The Juilliard School and a master’s degree in performance from Catholic University of America. He served as principal timpanist for Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Opera Orchestra, and Filene Center […]
August 1, 2024
Right-Wing Plans Are a Threat to Musicians’ Economic Future Now, more than ever, it is important to make our voices heard, protect our livelihoods, and support the efforts of our union colleagues across the country when voting in the upcoming election. This is the year for professional musicians to vote to preserve the economic advances […]
August 1, 2024
On June 26, country music legend and Local 257 (Nashville, TN) member Randy Travis and SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe testified on Capitol Hill in support of the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA). The hearing, titled “Radio, Music, and Copyrights: 100 Years of Inequity for Recording Artists,” was held by the House Judiciary Subcommittee […]
July 1, 2024
In September 2021 remarks honoring labor unions, President Joe Biden declared, “I intend to be the most pro-union president, leading the most pro-union administration in American history.” Since then, the Biden administration has been using its legislative, regulatory, and administrative powers to support unions and working people. No previous administration has taken such a comprehensive […]
June 1, 2024
The presidential primary season is almost finished. Now is the time to gather your family and friends, review and discuss congressional and presidential platforms, and most importantly, make plans to vote in this year’s fall presidential elections. Candidate positions at both the executive and legislative levels of government, particularly on important issues such as increased […]
June 1, 2024
President Biden’s administration has empowered the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to advance its mission of protecting the right of workers to organize, making significant progress to restore and fortify this powerful agency that had been hollowed out by the previous administration. Under Biden’s appointees to the NLRB, the agency is wielding its authority to […]