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 8, 2015
July 7, 2015
Members Object to Having Their Songs Politicized after Neil Young takes a stand against Donald Trump using his song in his political campaign.
July 7, 2015
Nelson to Be Honored with Gershwin Prize which honors a living music artist’s lifetime achievement in promoting song to enhance cultural understanding…
July 7, 2015
Rosanne Cash Selected as Artist-in-Residence to play intimate concerts at the Country Music Hall of Fame in September with different guest for each show.
July 6, 2015
The AFM has filed a lawsuit against Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. for collective bargaining agreement violations regarding the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA).
July 1, 2015
The Richmond Symphony has purchased a 70-foot outdoor performance tent after successfully completing its $500,000 Big Tent Initiative and winning a $500,000 challenge grant from the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation
July 1, 2015
UK Launches Social Media Crackdown and it’s one of the biggest-ever enforcement operations of its kind in a concerted effort to combat online piracy…
July 1, 2015
by Nathan Kahn, Negotiator, AFM Symphonic Services Division It has been a number of years since the International Musician has put forth articles on negotiation surveys, and therefore, it is timely to re-examine this important component of the negotiation process. In preparation for collective bargaining, adequate and accurate surveying of the membership is one of […]
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 […]