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 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.”
March 6, 2017
Congratulations to the 2017 AFM member Grammy winners from signatory recordings listed here. The benefits of recording under the AFM Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) are compelling.
March 1, 2017
In sharp contrast to the difficult but necessary strikes in the Pittsburgh and Fort Worth symphonies, a number of ICSOM orchestras have recently settled favorable, progressive, contracts well before their expiration date.
March 1, 2017
The Lyra family of USB audio interfaces offer affordable Prism Sound, including no compromise analogue front and back ends and fully-balanced architecture throughout, in a small footprint
March 1, 2017
Sennheiser’s HD 200 PRO headphones are optimized for home recording and production. They effectively shield the wearer from outside noise to enable total concentration on the recorded sound and listening to even the finest nuances
February 23, 2017
The Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) works to serve the film, television, and music communities and meet the needs of film musicians whose talents fuel the industry. To this end, the FMSMF is pleased to provide ongoing updates to the International Musician for the benefit of AFM memb