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.
April 22, 2014
In April the Musicians Hall of Fame, located in Nashville, Tennessee, announced that it is accepting nominees from AFM members for 2015 induction. It has created a special web link (ww.musicianshalloffame.com/nominations) to simplify the process of nominating peers. Each member may nominate up to 10 musicians, two producers, two arrangers, and two engineers. Nominations will […]
April 15, 2014
The ESP Acoustic Resonant Chamber (ARC) thinline electric LTD series guitars offer sharp design and high-end features at an interesting price. The ARC-6 nylon string guitar has a rosewood fingerboard Graphtech NuBone-XB nuts and saddles. It comes in either black with a maple top or mahogany with a natural top with a chambered mahogany body. […]
April 11, 2014
Roland’s RD-800 stage 88-note piano offers a sleek look and upgraded features, like hammer-action design for premium weighted touch. It includes more than 1,000 sounds, including authentic grand piano, a variety of authentic vintage electric pianos, organs, and synths. Its color LCD and lighted panel knobs provide easy visibility on dark stages. Lightweight design makes […]
April 10, 2014
In a letter to the National Labor Relations Board, the American Guild of Musical Artists, representing singers and chorus members of the San Diego Opera, requested an injunction to freeze the opera’s assets. According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, the letter cited a portion of labor law that allows the agency to go to federal […]
April 1, 2014
It’s been two years since the AFM Canadian Office has been to SXSW, but this year the CFM decided to go back and take part in the Canadian Blast SXSW showcases, presented by the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA). CIMA undertakes various initiatives to raise the profile and increase the success of the independent music […]
March 30, 2014
Do you have a passport for your musical instrument? If you don’t, here’s how one scenario might play out. You book or land a job overseas in “paradise” or you travel abroad to participate in a glorious international student music festival. You leave the US without a hitch, instrument in tow, and in full view. […]
March 28, 2014
Finding and signing up for a new health care plan isn’t always easy. With only a few days left to get health insurance, we want you to get covered quickly and without any headaches. Our friends at Working America and Union Plus are working with recommended licensed agents at GoHealth to guide you at no […]
March 27, 2014
The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) will honor Tom Petty of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) with its Founders Awards during its April 23 Pop Music Awards gala, which celebrates the songwriters and publishers of the most performed songs of 2013. Past Founders Award winners have include Burt Bacharach of Local 47 […]
March 27, 2014
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has postponed its trip to Iran, which was planned for the late August/early September time frame. The joint project with the Pittsburgh-based American Middle East Institute will now most likely take place within six months of the original date. The delay was attributed to complicated preparations. The delay will also give […]
March 27, 2014
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra announced it has successfully completed its $5 million emergency fundraising drive thanks to 1,408 new individual donors who made average contributions of $340.25 each. The campaign, which began in December, was necessary to pay off a $2 million shortfall and plan a balanced budget for the 2014-2015 season.