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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Legislative Update

NEA NEH Relief Letter

Letter urging additional funding for the NEA and NEH in future coronavirus relief packages.


President Hair Meets with AFM Legislative Champions in Washington

From March 2-4, AFM International President Ray Hair met with Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) in the Speaker’s Office suite inside the Capitol Building in early March to discuss the Bipartisan Artist Tax Parity Act


Keeping the AFM’s Promise of a Performance Right in Terrestrial Radio

The bill, promoted by the AFM and the Music First Coalition, of which President Hair sits on the executive board, helps the AFM keep it’s promise to fight for a performance right in terrestrial radio.


The 2020 Federal Election: Prepare to Participate

The federal elections that will take place on November 3, 2020 will play a major role in determining the forward progress of the nation and, with major challenges to our pensions, our workplace security, important kitchen table/family issues, as well as the future direction of our industry, now is the time for each of us to weigh in with our vote.


Pension Week in the US Senate: AFM Members Step Up the Pressure

As the drumbeat for pension security rolls through the halls of Congress, Democrats in the United States Senate kicked off their campaign to pass meaningful pension reform via the Butch Lewis Act. The legislation, S. 2254, will provide relief to more than 1.5 million workers, pensioners, and retirees who depend on their multi-employer pension plans. […]


Congressional Update: HR 397, the Butch Lewis Act, Passes in the House

After markup in both the House Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Ways and Means Committee, HR 397, the Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act of 2019, often referred to as the Butch Lewis Act, was taken up on the floor of the US House of Representatives and overwhelmingly passed by a vote of 264 to 169, with 29 Republicans joining Democrats to advance the bill out of the House chamber.


House Ways and Means Committee Marks Up and Reports Out HR 397, The Butch Lewis Act

After the House Education and Labor Committee marked up and passed HR 397 on June 11, the House Committee on Ways and Means took the bill up on Wednesday July 10.


2019 Grammys on the Hill Gathers Musicians and Arts Supporters

In addition to a full day of lobbying on Capitol Hill, the 2019 Grammys on the Hill Awards hosted more than 200 artist/creator advocates and more than 20 members of Congress who pledged their support for the work and fair treatment of artists.


Advocacy, Diversity, and Organizing in 2019

The AFM is showing their support for advocacy, diversity and organizing by cosponsoring Arts Advocacy Day and taking part in their project, Las Vegas LIVE.


A Look at Who Controls the Federal Government in 2019

On January 3, the 115th Session of the US House of Representatives gaveled out and immediately thereafter, the 116th Congress, fresh off caucus elections of new leadership, gaveled in.








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