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, 2022
HR 4750, also known as the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act and sometimes referred to as QPA, was introduced in the 117th Congress of the United States by Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA) and Vern Buchannan (R-FL). This bill would restore above the line tax deductions lost in the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. […]
October 1, 2022
For the past 37 years the AFM has led the charge on Capitol Hill to secure funding to keep the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in place. Now, we need your help contacting your senators. AFM members whose employers depend on annual grant allocations from these […]
September 25, 2022
On September 22, Congress moved a step closer to ending a decades-long injustice against music creators with the Senate introduction of S. 4932, American Music Fairness Act (AMFA), sponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Alex Padilla (D-CA). An identical bill (HR 4130) has already been introduced and received a hearing in the House, setting Congress up […]
September 1, 2022
As the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Conference of the Parties (CoP19) meeting approaches, November 14-25, I thought it would be helpful to provide a summary of the AFM’s ongoing work related to Brazilian Pernambuco wood and the transport of instruments containing protected species. The AFM works […]
July 1, 2022
The PRO Act The PRO Act is once again front and center of the AFL-CIO’s legislative agenda. Action currently resides in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and is being closely monitored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) who has plans to bring the bill to the Senate floor for a […]
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 […]