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.
June 29, 2017
Eleven video game publishers, including major players—Activision, Electronic Arts, Take 2 Interactive, and WB Games—remain under pressure from the Screen Actors Guild for their treatment of voice actors.
June 28, 2017
IEMs are in demand because they isolate the ear from ambient noise and artists can hear the intended signal clearly, at a much lower volum
June 27, 2017
The CFM and the Fund hosted a joint information panel targeted at emerging artists, most of whom were registered in the ECMA Mentorship Program, offering a series of practical business seminars to those artists.
June 27, 2017
In partnership with St. Sabina, Chicago’s largest African-American Catholic church, cellist Yo-Yo Ma presented “Concert for Peace” with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), members of Local 10-208; the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, a training ensemble for young musicians; and the Chicago Children’s Choir. Ma is a member of Local 802 (New York City) and creative consultant to CSO.
June 14, 2017
In April, Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) held its first Lifetime Achievement Awards honoring five Local 47 members—Gene Cipriano (woodwinds), Vincent DeRosa (horn), Louise DiTullio (flute), Carol Kaye (electric bass), and Dick Nash (trombone)—for their outstanding achievements and support for the artistic community of Los Angeles.
June 13, 2017
The Colored Musicians Club of Buffalo was formed as a social club offshoot of Local 533 some years after the founding of the local. The club, located at 145 Broadway in Buffalo, has its own jazz museum with a mission to promote and preserve the history and knowledge of African-Americans and jazz music in Buffalo.
June 12, 2017
This week trumpet player and Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member Roy Wiegand will put his strong lungs to good use. On June 14, the ultra long distance runner will lace up his shoes to run more than 100 miles (four marathons) for the Michael Hoefflin Foundation (MHF) for children’s cancer. Many Los Angeles area musicians plan to join him for sections of the 30-plus hour run that will take him from Market Place Park in Santa Clarita to Westfield Valencia Town Center Drive.
June 1, 2017
Though California’s minimum wage will increase to $15 an hour by 2022, wage theft is a persistent problem among low-wage workers. According to the Economic Policy Institute, employers illegally cost California workers an estimated $2 billion in earnings per year.
June 1, 2017
Local 784 (Pontiac, MI) member Bob Seger’s Greatest Hits album has been certified Diamond, meaning it sold more than 10 million units in the US, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
June 1, 2017
AFM Locals Participate in May Day Rallies Across the US