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.
October 31, 2016
I don’t know about you, but there’s a bunch of quotes that I like to keep in mind. Sometimes they provide a motivational thought for the day. Here are a few:
September 30, 2016
You are what you believe. Those big breaks don’t just come out of nowhere. You have to make them happen.
August 2, 2016
As a professional musician, you have most likely invested heavily in both your career and your instrument. Your equipment needs to keep you performing at a peak level every time you take the stage or enter the recording studio. As a result, you do everything possible to make you’re your instruments are protected and maintained. But, when it comes to insurance, many musicians simply assume that their standard homeowner’s policy is all that they need to protect their investment.
June 24, 2016
The Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) works to serve the film, television, and music communities and meet the needs of film musicians whose talents fuel the industry. To this end, the FMSMF is pleased to provide ongoing updates to the International Musician for the benefit of AFM members.
June 22, 2016
Here are some things you might want to consider when that club, theater, private party, or corporate event says: “You charge how much?” or “Can you do it for less?”
April 22, 2016
A while back I addressed the subject of competing with mobile DJs. They are not going away. We all know that they’re out there. So what can we do about it?
March 21, 2016
Q: I am coming to the United States for a tour and I am making plans now to get my visa for the tour. Is there anything I need to know about getting a visa? The first thing a foreign artist, or nonresident alien (NRA), needs to know is that the visa required for any […]
March 18, 2016
Years ago, if an indie musician wanted to try to book a club or concert venue, they probably started by calling whoever the decision maker was—the club owner, theater manager, etc.—and tried to get them to hear them play. Today it’s a little different. It’s more than a phone call or a press kit with […]
December 30, 2015
Merchandising Is Extra Money and Free Promotion — If you have fan support, and you’re merchandising, you’re actually not doing all the promotional work yourself. For every T-shirt and every bumper sticker you sell, you are creating a walking or driving billboard for your band.
December 1, 2015
Crossing Borders: Why Bad Things Happen to Good Artists — In the ever-changing and complex world of performance, today’s artist, especially a touring artist, must keep abreast of new regulations and be aware of the basic requirements for contracts, touring, visas, work permits, withholding, and taxation.