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 30, 2018
The National Symphony of Cuba announced that its 2019 US tour is canceled due to difficulties in obtaining visas for its artists. Last month, the US announced the withdrawal of 60% of its Cuban diplomats is now permanent.
April 23, 2018
Following a memorial service for representative Louise Slaughter, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi moved swiftly to reconstitute House Congressional Arts Caucus leadership with long-time caucus member and friend of the arts Chellie Pingree (D-ME).
April 23, 2018
Eastman School of Music Alumni String quartet comprised of members of AFM Local 161-710, under the leadership of AFM 161-710 President Edgardo Malaga and Secretary-Treasurer Marta Bradley, performed the prelude and postlude at the US Capitol Sanctuary Hall April 18 for a Congressional Memorial Ceremony for the late Honorable Louise Slaughter (D-NY).
April 5, 2018
Canadian Federation of Musicians continued to lobby the Parliament of Canada to include the carriage of musical instruments as part of the Passenger Rights Proposals on Bill C-49
April 2, 2018
In his column, AFM Legislative-Political Director Alfonso Pollard has discussed your union’s work with the musicFIRST Coalition to remedy inequities faced by creators under current copyright laws.
April 2, 2018
On March 20, Prince William bestowed the honor of knighthood on former Beatle Ringo Starr, a member of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
April 2, 2018
In March, Senator Sherrod Brown (OH-D) held a rally on his work and commitment for retirement security. The event was hosted by several organizations including the Cleveland AFL-CIO Retiree Council, Senior Voice!, and AFM Local 4 (Cleveland, OH). Brown is co-chair of the Joint Congressional Select Committee on Multi-Employer Pension Plans.
April 2, 2018
The AFM lost a champion of its causes when Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) died in March. She will be remembered as an advocate for the arts and artists, having chaired the bi-partisan Congressional Arts Caucus for years.
March 23, 2018
A judge issued a temporary restraining order against striking Frontier Communications workers in West Virginia and Ashburn, Virginia, preventing them from “engaging in certain unlawful violence, property damage, and mass picketing” that the company claims has occurred during the ongoing strike.
March 23, 2018
Women in Media (WIM) provides networking opportunities, professional development, and advocacy for women in above- and below-the-line positions on film productions.