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.
August 28, 2014
Neil Young of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) and Willie Nelson of Local 433 (Austin, TX) have worked together for decades organizing Farm Aid concerts to benefit family-owned farms in the US. Now they are teaming up for a new cause. On September 27 they will stage a Harvest of Hope concert at a farm […]
August 28, 2014
In what could be deemed the most colossal pay to play scheme ever, the NFL has reportedly asked potential Super Bowl halftime performers if they would be willing to pay the league to play at its big game.
August 19, 2014
The Metropolitan Opera in New York has reached a tentative settlement with two major unions yesterday morning – Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians which represents the orchestra and American Guild of Musical Arts represents the singers and dancers. Both sides negotiated through the night and early into Monday morning to reach an agreement, with […]
August 18, 2014
AT&T has announced that union members can save big on their monthly wireless service plans. AT&T is the only national unionized wireless service company, and wants to extend their savings to other union members. AFM members can save 15% on their monthly wireless bill with the Union Plus AT&T Discount Program. Members can also get […]
July 27, 2014
July 25, 2014
Revamped Value The Yamaha L Series acoustic guitars have been redesigned to deliver classic quality and value. Engelmann spruce tops are treated with Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (ARE) to give them the tonal richness of vintage models. Playability improvements include redesigned bracing, thinner five-ply neck design, lower string action, and wider string spacing. The simple-to-use undersaddle […]
July 22, 2014
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has thrown his support behind the AFM’s Listen Up! Campaign, which calls for production companies, who pocket millions in US taxpayer incentives, to stop offshoring musical scoring work. “I’m fighting for good-paying, middle-class jobs across California, and our work to pass legislation—which will boost production and music scoring—must be with […]
July 20, 2014
July 15, 2014
Dr. Jane Chu Confirmed as Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts On June 12, the US Senate voted unanimously to confirm Dr. Jane Chu as the new chair of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The White House will make the official appointment in the coming days. For AFM musicians who […]
July 8, 2014
AFM Member Honored at Boston University At commencement ceremonies held May 18, Boston University College of Fine Arts music Associate Professor Terry Everson, a member of Local 9-535 (Boston, MA), was recognized as a 2014 recipient of the Metcalf Award for Excellence in Teaching. Students, faculty, and alumni nominate candidates for the $5,000 prize […]