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 7, 2014
The website Marketplace ran a story about Lionsgate offshoring the film’s score to a studio in Macedonia called F.A.M.E’S for much cheaper rates. Composer John Debney, recorded the soundtrack at F.A.M.E’S for cheaper rates than what would be acceptable to AFM musicians. Read or listen to the piece: http://mktplc.org/1qrnLyn “[Laurent Koppitz, the founder of F.A.M.E.’S] said that if […]
July 3, 2014
TSA Confiscates McBride’s Bow In June, Local 802 (New York City) member Christian McBride arrived in Saskatoon, Canada, for a concert only to discover that his bow was missing from his case. “Now that it’s confirmed, I can tell you that good ol’ TSA confiscated (aka STOLE) my brand new bow right out of my […]
July 3, 2014
The AFM has developed a new agreement in collaboration with Microsoft Corporation covering professional musicians employed in the making of video game soundtracks. The new agreement, which extends through December 2016, is effective immediately and is the result of discussions between the AFM and Microsoft that began early last year. “We are pleased that one […]
July 2, 2014
Representatives of the AFM, the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), and the American Association of Advertising Agencies’ (4A’s) Joint Policy Committee on Broadcast Talent Union Relations (JPC) announced today that a successor agreement has been reached covering the services of professional musicians who record music tracks in the production of television, radio, and Internet commercial […]
June 23, 2014
Privia Pro PX-5S Stage Piano The Privia Pro PX-5S stage piano is packed with remarkable sounds and 88 keys in a 24-pound package, it’s easily transported and will even perform flawlessly on battery power. It features Casio’s proprietary AiR sound source, which provides incredible realism, detail, and expression for award-winning grand piano sounds. PX-5S has […]
June 20, 2014
S2 Custom 24 Has Funk Familiarity The S2 Custom 24 completes Paul Reed Smith’s S2 series of guitars launched last summer. Reminiscent of the Custom 24, the original PRS guitar, it retains the classic maple top/mahogany back combination and classic body shape, but has a new asymmetrical beveled top. It features 24 frets, custom-wound vintage […]
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 […]