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.
September 13, 2018
Musicians of Iraq’s National Symphony Orchestra continue to rehearse and perform despite no pay for the past eight months.
September 13, 2018
After learning about the July 15 murder of Weymouth Sgt. Michael Chesna, Taylor Swift of Local 257 (Nashville, TN), donated tickets for her July show in nearby Foxborough, Massachusetts, to the Weymouth city police department.
September 12, 2018
The Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) has acquired the reproduction rights organization the Society for Reproduction Rights of Authors, Composers, and Publishers in Canada (SODRAC).
September 12, 2018
Canadian musician Shawn Mendes of Local 149 (Toronto, ON) is the first artist to land four number one hits on the Adult Pop Songs Chart before reaching age 20.
September 12, 2018
Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member Neil Diamond gave an unexpected performance for firefighters who battled a blaze near his home in Colorado.
September 12, 2018
A two-hour documentary on Woodstock will air on PBS in 2019 to recognize the 50th anniversary of the festival. It will examine the events that led up to the three-day festival.
September 11, 2018
Irish Composer Siobhán Cleary declined a lucrative Arts Council commission because she was offered 20% less than her male colleagues in the last four years, for the same commission.
September 11, 2018
Disneyland announced they are raising starting salary for nonunion employees to $15.75 an hour—slightly more than the $15 it recently negotiated with Disney’s four labor unions.
September 11, 2018
A study from The High Pay Center showed that British executive pay rose six times higher than pay for the average worker from 2016 to 2017.
September 11, 2018
Despite some bad news for several key sellers in the last couple years, guitar manufacturers and sellers say demand for American-made guitars is strong.