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.
June 1, 2022
Launched in 1961, the AFM Taskforce for Employment of Musicians Promotional Organization (TEMPO) Fund, is the US restricted, nonpartisan political action fund established by the AFM International Executive Board, and designated to support members of both federal, state, and local legislators. For over 60 years, we have depended on these champions to support the causes […]
May 1, 2022
It always gives me great pleasure to celebrate the placement of longtime supporters and practitioners of the arts into powerful positions in the federal government. The arts do indeed matter to people like Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Her appointment gives the Supreme Court personal insight into the lives and work of artists and entertainment professionals. […]
March 1, 2022
With our focus right now on Capitol Hill, two pieces of critical legislation guide our actions. HR 4130, the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA), is now the primary focus of our legislative work and of this month’s International Musician. AFM President Ray Hair’s column focuses on the merits of the legislation and explains the details […]
February 1, 2022
As America moves into the 2022 celebration of Black History Month, I thought it appropriate to review the intrinsic value of the active partnership between the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the AFM, as well as its overall relationship with organized labor and progressive policy. African Americans first made an appearance as elected officials in […]
December 1, 2021
As we count down to the passage of our two most important remaining music issues in this Congress, partnering with our allies and counterparts will lead to our success. Our labor coalition has branched out and embraced others in the music industry that often lobby an alternate agenda. This time around, the two remaining issues […]
November 1, 2021
The American labor movement has been, is, and will continue to be among the most powerful, influential advocate for working women and men. Labor’s highly respected voice, whether sought out or not, on either side of the political aisle, and in each of the three branches of the US government, is considered equal to any […]
October 1, 2021
As noted in the August International Musician, we have begun an internal campaign to advocate for passage of H.R 4130, the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA). This performance rights bill is designed to provide royalty payments to artists, session musicians, and vocalists when their recordings are performed and broadcast over AM and FM radio. AFM […]
July 29, 2021
You’re an active, successful session musician who grew up and learned by listening to your favorite players, then yourself, and your session buddies, over AM/FM radio every day when you drove your car. But in this new world of subscription radio, you’ve cut back listening to music on terrestrial radio because the last time you […]
June 1, 2021
Not only will the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) restore the right of workers to freely and fairly form a union, this landmark worker empowerment, civil rights, and economic stimulus legislation will also help us build back better following the pandemic and recession. As we recover from the pandemic and economic recession, the […]
May 1, 2021
While we all know that organizing is the lifeblood of the American labor movement, bargaining that elusive first contract is always one of our biggest challenges. After four years of incessant anti-union political rhetoric designed to weaken trust in and break the back of organized labor, union leadership refused to fold. Instead, they have helped […]