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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Music Business, Resources

Top 10 Reasons to Record AFM

The EMSD staff have compiled the Top 10 most important reasons why you should record under AFM agreements that you really need to read….


Protect Your Songs with Copyright

The songwriting process is rarely easy. Giving life to that creative spark is a process that can take countless hours, the behind-the-scenes toil never known to the audience that finally hears the son


6 Tips on Nailing That Orchestral Audition Recording

After your résumé has been processed, you will probably receive material detailing how an audition tape should be prepared. Often specifications are very detailed, and you should follow them to the letter. If there is any doubt, call the personnel manager, but don’t phone him or her with trivial questions about details that you may have overlooked on the instructions.


Canadian Waivers and Taxation for Foreign Artists

Ignoring the taxation requirements of a foreign country can lead to unforeseen complications, as this letter illustrates:


United States Taxation for Foreign Artists

by Robert Baird, President Baird Artists Management (BAM!) The issue of United States Taxation for foreign artists came up in a recent letter: I have a band that is looking to play a corporate event in the US at the end of June. My accountant just informed me of the Central Withholding Agreement that could […]


Your Best Gig Could Be Your Next Gig

Over the past few columns I’ve talked about crazy, memorable, and terrible gigs. That’s life as a working musician. I appreciate all the letters, calls, and e-mails about out-of-the-ordinary playing jobs. They are too numerous to mention here, but I am retaining many of them for future columns.


Crazy Gigs Can Be Learning Experiences

Thanks for all the e-mails about the memorable, out-of-the-ordinary, and crazy gigs. Many of these events become learning experiences for the musicians involved.


Everything You Need to Know About Tax Numbers

Revenue Canada and the IRS require tax numbers, both from individuals and businesses, for a variety of reasons, make sure you know all of them.


How to Lead the Audience

The first 10 seconds are the most crucial to winning over an audience. How you walk onto the stage is important. It gives the audience an idea of who and what is important.


Get It in Writing

I think the best way to deal with a botched verbal contract is to avoid the whole mess in the first place. Get it in writing. I personally learned this the hard way.








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