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.
February 1, 2014
In January, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed a formal complaint against Walmart for violating the rights of nearly 70 workers who rallied over workplace conditions in 14 states on Black Friday. The workers were illegally fired and/or disciplined for speaking out. If the retailer is found liable workers could have any disciplinary actions […]
February 1, 2014
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka applauded President Obama and the Senate’s selection and confirmation of Janet Yellen as chair of the Federal Reserve. Trumka said, in part, “As chair of the Federal Reserve, Janet Yellen will deepen the commitment to the Fed’s ‘dual mandate.’” Aside from being a brilliant economist, “her well-deserved ascension to the chair […]
February 1, 2014
According to an end of year report from classical event finder and reviewer Bachtrack, AFM members were among some of the hardest working classical artists worldwide. Among the top 10 busiest conductors was Michael Tilson Thomas of Locals 47 (Los Angeles, CA) and 9-535 (Boston, MA), ranked eighth. Sadly, the report found only one of […]
February 1, 2014
This Allora Black Nickel Pocket Trumpet (Bb) is as functional as it is fun to play. Its sharp black nickel plate finish makes it the perfect trumpet for players who want a cool novelty instrument with a great sound. Its compact size makes the Allora 5801especially well-suited for travel. It features stainless steel valves, a […]
February 1, 2014
Weighing in at just 25 pounds, Casio Privia PX-350 is the ideal, lightweight, superb-sounding digital piano that gigging players have been dreaming about. It has all the features a pro needs: 88 scaled hammer-action keys, Casio’s best grand piano sound onboard, a total of 250 expressive sounds, MIDI, USB, quarter-inch headphone and output jacks, and […]
January 29, 2014
Legendary Folk singer, Pete Seeger, dies at 94. Pete Seeger was a member of AFM, Local 802 & Local 1000, for over 70 years. Seeger was well-known for being part of the American folk revival as well as a social activist. Click here to read the New York Times article on the folk on Seeger’s […]
January 28, 2014
On January 28, David Lowery of Local 123 (Richmond, VA), a musician and faculty member of the University of Georgia’s Music Business Program testified before the US House of Representatives subcommittee concerning copyright law. Lowery, an outspoken proponent of artists’ rights is also frontman for the rock bands Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven. You can read a transcript of […]
January 9, 2014
After almost a year of protests, rallies, and court hearings Mine Workers of America (UMWA) announced it had reached a settlement with Peabody Energy to cover health care benefits for coal miners affected by the bankruptcy of Patriot Coal. Under the agreement Peabody Energy and Patriot will provide more than $400 million to fund retiree […]
January 9, 2014
According to Art Pulaski, executive secretary-treasurer of the California Labor Federation, California labor has led the way in bringing real equality and progress to California’s working families. Among the achievements and reforms listed on the website for the California Labor Federation were: minimum wage increased to $10 by January 2016; expanded access to driver’s licenses […]
January 9, 2014
According to Britain’s The Stage, exploitation of entertainment industry performers and low-paid workers is on the rise, and the problem is only being compounded by decreased funding for arts organizations. In a report to the Low Pay Commission’s 2014 consultation, UK’s Equity claimed that its members are frequently being asked to work for nothing. Equity […]