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, 2019
Thousands of Los Angeles Unified School District teachers—more than 30,000—walked off the job in mid-January. It is the first strike since 1989 for the country’s second largest school district, which includes more than 900 schools.
February 1, 2019
To view this article in English, click here. Dans le numéro de septembre 2013 d’International Musician, j’ai traité du nombre de diffusions nécessaires pour toucher le salaire minimum aux États-Unis. Les chiffres présentés reposaient sur le salaire minimum fédéral, soit 7,25 $ de l’heure ou 1 160 $ par mois pour une semaine de travail de 40 heures. Le tableau […]
February 1, 2019
Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena will be the sight of Local 257 (Nashville, TN) member Loretta Lynn’s “all-star birthday celebration” on April 1. Among the confirmed performers for the Queen of Country’s 87th birthday will be AFM members Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, and Trisha Yearwood of Local 257, as well as George Strait of Local 433 (Austin, TX). Musical director is Local 257 member Dave Cobb.
February 1, 2019
In January, Bachtrack released its annual classical music statistics, based on a database of 33,578 international performances in 2018.
February 1, 2019
In December, the New York State legislature overwhelmingly approved a bill designating the hymn “Here Rests in Honored Glory,” by Donald Miller, the state’s official Hymn of Remembrance. Spearheaded by Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, Senator John DeFrancisco, and Senator David Valeski, the bill was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo on December 28.
February 1, 2019
Approximately 800,000 government workers have been impacted by the shutdown. At this writing, most have already missed at least one paycheck. Many are seeking assistance from food banks, filing for unemployment benefits, and taking second jobs. Some fear losing their homes, going into debt, and being unable to support their families.
February 1, 2019
About 50 members of the American Postal Workers Union and National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) gathered in front of Canada’s Washington, DC, embassy to protest the Trudeau government’s decision to force the Canadian workers back to work.
January 9, 2019
I’ve been learning about apprentice programs in the building trades. These are union worker funded programs that provide wages through on-the-job training paired with classes and certifications.
January 7, 2019
The new year presents an opportunity for AFM locals and the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) to begin to regrow our programs across North America and increase our impact on communities.
January 1, 2019
The 101st Convention of the American Federation of Musicians will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, beginning Monday, June 17, and concluding Thursday, June 20.