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.
December 1, 2014
On November 4, AFM members across the country exercised their rights as they voted in national midterm elections. As Republican candidates picked up victories across the country, important AFM House and Senate champions from both parties were able to retain their seats. Our eyes were set on those who, over the years, have exercised leadership […]
November 1, 2014
On October 5-7, the AFM Diversity Committee met in Las Vegas, Nevada, to set local and national organizing plans in motion for 2014 and 2015. Under the supervision of AFM President Ray Hair, Director of Organizing & Education Paul Frank, and myself, the committee laid out plans to survey and identify potential organizing opportunities within […]
October 1, 2014
The AFM is leading the charge against the offshoring of American jobs in music, while at the same time protecting the values we uphold as artists. American workers should feel confident that their government will not bestow lucrative tax subsidies on wealthy corporations that send jobs overseas. AFM President Ray Hair stated: “There is no […]
August 4, 2014
by Alfonso M. Pollard, AFM Legislative-Political Director and Diversity Director Instrument Carry-on Talks The AFM recently participated in historic instrument carry-on talks at the Department of Transportation (DOT). Meanwhile, the ivory debate shows some progress.
June 8, 2014
Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada has for 118 years represented the interests of professional musicians across the country. The union has a proud history of successful legislative and political action in Washington, DC. For almost a century, the AFM has taken a leadership role fighting to […]
May 19, 2014
Union Privilege (UP) understands the value of home. For years, we’ve offered mortgage grants to help our members make payments in times of hardship, and provided discounts on heating and cooling to keep those homes comfortable. Because we believe that everyone deserves a safe, comfortable, and affordable home, we’ve made it our mission to team […]
May 18, 2014
Labor Notes is a Detroit-based media and organizing project that has been the voice of union activists who want to “put the movement back in the labor movement” since 1979.
May 17, 2014
Since publication of the April IM article about African elephant ivory, specifically relating to the adverse effect of Director’s Order No. 210 (the Order), we have heard from many AFM members looking for concrete solutions.
February 1, 2014
In January, the AFM marked the national roll out of TEMPO: The New Campaign. Over the past six months, the AFM Office of Government Relations under the guidance of AFM President Ray Hair has introduced Federation officers and locals to a new tool designed to give greater political leverage to our members. The Office of […]
January 9, 2014
The AFM cares deeply about promoting growth and innovation within our industry. Our careers are linked to copyright protection, performance rights, grants to artists and arts organizations, worker protections through the NLRB, and a host of other government programs that supplement our professional efforts and define us as workers. Union resources help us drive the […]