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.
January 1, 2023
Make Sure You Talk with Your Local About AFM Recording Agreements to Protect Your Work! AFM member recordings are covered under a variety of sound recording agreements, all designed to protect your work and the work of the musicians you hire. Taking into consideration the scope of your work and its intended use is key. […]
January 1, 2023
As musicians, we spend a lot of time and effort constantly improving our musical chops and performance skills. Even with perfection, however, there’s no guarantee of success in the music business. The reality of our chosen career path as professional musicians is that our creative vocation is still a business. As a member of the […]
December 1, 2022
The Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund’s 50th year was one of transformation to better position it to meet the opportunities and challenges of an evolving industry. In 1972, the only known secondary markets were free TV, pay TV, and cassettes. No one could have predicted how radically the industry’s business models would change nor imagine […]
November 1, 2022
On the Road Again: 2021-2022 Season Saw 22 Pamphlet B Shows Touring by George Fiddler, AFM Director of Touring/Theatre/Booking Division and Assistant to the President This month’s Theater issue features a cover story about Julie Ferrara of Local 802 (New York City), reed player on the current Frozen tour and steward for its 11-member orchestra. […]
September 5, 2022
by John K. Painting, AFM Electronic Media Services Division Director and Assistant to the President As the calendar slowly turns to fall, it is my honor to welcome you to this year’s issue of the International Musician focused on electronic media and the Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD). This division is charged with serving and […]
September 1, 2022
by Christopher Anderson-Bazzoli, President of RMA Los Angeles and Sidney Hopson, RMALA Executive Board Member In the three years since we ratified our last film and TV contracts, studio streaming platforms have continued to ramp up, while musicians’ livelihoods have ramped down. In 2019, “new media” made up 14% of the film and tv contracts […]
August 1, 2022
The Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) once again hit a record high in residuals collected for musicians in fiscal year 2022 (ending 3/31/2022). These secondary market residuals were established in the AFM’s Basic Theatrical and Basic Television agreements. The residuals have been collected by the FMSMF since the 1970s. They have grown over the […]
August 1, 2022
My career has gone from playing in orchestras, opera companies, and Broadway shows to arts administration, and of course, the labor advocacy, organizing, and education work I do here at the AFM. In these many roles, I’ve often been called to help musicians out of various problem situations. Sometimes I shake my head upon hearing […]
June 1, 2022
Tammy Kirk, secretary-treasurer of Local 94 (Tulsa, OK), has some sound advice for locals looking to increase membership. Look beyond the music venue and the local roster to the community at large and create sources for new membership. Look to build strong relationships with your community’s arts centers, its music institutions, and regional universities—all of […]
February 28, 2022
–Tax advice for informational purposes only, not intended to be a substitute for advice from your personal tax professional. En Francais Tax time is almost here again. This article outlines ways in which you can diminish your tax liability and take advantage of the many deductions available to Canadian musicians. Knowing what expenses you can […]