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.
July 1, 2015
by Jay Blumenthal, AFM Symphonic Services Director This issue of the International Musician provides the Symphonic Services Division (SSD) with an opportunity to look back over the prior year and give some perspective to symphonic events. This past year provided a variety of good, challenging, and some troubling, happenings. The Good At this writing, there […]
July 1, 2015
Finally, Sirius XM’s two-year legal battle with the music industry has been resolved. Sirius must now pay for recordings created before 1972, and will do so to the tune of $210 million to five record companies, which is a tremendous step for the industry. Sirius will now have to pay for the songs of music’s […]
June 30, 2015
The AFM wishes to congratulate all of its members who were honored at the SOCAN Music Awards. Among those receiving SOCAN Awards were:
June 30, 2015
The Recording Musicians Association (RMA) is proud to help ensure retirement security, and we work tirelessly with our union to maximize employment opportunities for musicians
June 30, 2015
June 29, 2015
American Postal Workers Union (APWU) is asking federal anti-trust regulators to stop the proposed merger of Office Depot and Staples.
June 26, 2015
You do not want to miss these 9 Tips for Success as an Endorsing Artist if you are considering finding a company to pay you for using their products.
June 25, 2015
The House is currently considering legislation that funds the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and other cultural agencies. Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY), who is the Congressional Arts Caucus co-chair, is urging musicians to remind their members of Congress about the importance of arts and arts funding. Efforts to increase NEA funding from $146 million […]
June 25, 2015
These are the 10 Questions Music Entrepreneurs Should Be Able to Answer if they want to show how important they are in their profession…
June 23, 2015
Fox News Host Hits Drummer with Double-Headed Ax during a segment on flag day when he missed a target by several inches and hit the drummer behind it.