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.
March 18, 2017
“As if the pleas of doctors, nurses, retirees, hospitals and lawmakers from both parties weren’t enough, now we have 24 million additional reasons to protect the Affordable Care Act.
March 17, 2017
According to Americans for Tax Fairness (ATF)—a coalition of hundreds of organizations including the AFL-CIO—the Republican plan to dismantle the Affordable Care Act would put at risk the health coverage of millions of Americans, while providing $465 billion in tax breaks to wealthy Americans along with large health insurance providers and prescription drug companies.
March 17, 2017
Foreigners seeking H-1B visas for temporary jobs in the US with high-tech companies will now undergo a longer process according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which announced that H-1B “premium processing” will be suspended for up to six months.
March 15, 2017
Paul Simon of Local 802 (New York City) has announced that he will hit the road again for a 17-city tour to benefit the Half-Earth Project, an initiative of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation.
March 15, 2017
Berklee College of Music has announced that AFM members Lucinda Williams of Local 433 (Austin, TX) and Todd Rundgren of Local 802 (New York City) will be honored with honorary doctor of music degrees at this year’s May commencement.
March 15, 2017
Some foreign musicians attempting to enter the US to perform at South by Southwest (SXSW) have been turned away, and in certain cases even arrested and detained overnight after attempting to use the wrong type of entry visa.
March 15, 2017
In one year the UK-based PRS for Music’s Anti-Piracy System (MAPS) has made great strides against piracy.
March 15, 2017
One lucky Australian teen got to share the stage with the Boss at a Brisbane, Australia, concert. During the concert, Nathan Testa’s sign: “Missed school, in the s—, now can I play ‘Growin’ Up’ with you?” caught the singer’s eye. Bruce Springsteen, a member of Locals 399 (Asbury Park, NJ) and 47 (Los Angeles, CA), asked Testa if he knew the guitar part and invited him up on stage.
March 9, 2017
In a joint press release the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and The Sarasota Ballet announced that the company will join other top national ballet companies as members of AGMA. “We are thrilled to welcome the professional artists from The Sarasota Ballet into the AGMA family,” says AGMA National Executive Director Leon Egert.
March 8, 2017
At a pro-union rally in Canton, Mississippi, near Nissan’s plant, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders congratulated workers for their courage “in standing up for justice.”