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.
February 6, 2017
As this issue went to print, AFM’s negotiating team, comprised of recording musicians and our union’s leadership, had reached a new Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) with the major recording companies including Hollywood (Disney), Sony, Universal, and Warner.
February 6, 2017
The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) and the Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) are happy to announce a new three-year partnership that puts to rest an ongoing dispute brought to light in 2016. Over two days of negotiations, both sides have agreed to new collaborative terms they are certain are fair and beneficial to their respective memberships.
February 6, 2017
The Huffington Post ratified its first union contract, becoming the largest digital news site to collectively bargain amid a series of newsroom organizing drives.
February 1, 2017
For English version click here. par Alan Willaert, vice-président du Canada, AFM Depuis la rédaction de cet article, les parties ont négociés avec succès un nouvel accord. L’édition 2017 de la Semaine de la musique de la côte Est doit avoir lieu du 26 au 30 avril, la ville hôte étant Saint-Jean, au Nouveau-Brunswick. Ces […]
February 1, 2017
Laura Whitely, secretary-treasurer of Local 123 (Richmond, VA) since 1981, has retired at age 92. She has kept the local office running for the past 35 years and for more than 30 years before that she helped her husband who also held the job.
February 1, 2017
In May, Montreal will welcome the 4th International Orchestra Conference (IOC), hosted by the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) and co-organized by Québec Musicians’ Guild, AFM Local 406 (Montreal, PQ). The IOC 2017 will have a prestigious official ambassador: maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin, recently named music director of the Metropolitan Opera, music director of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and artistic director and principal conductor of Montreal’s Orchestre Métropolitain.
January 23, 2017
On December 7, a webinar co-hosted by the AFM, as well as the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, Carnegie Hall, Chamber Music America, League of American Orchestras, NAMM, and The Recording Academy, highlighted new rules for protected species and musical instruments.
January 18, 2017
2017 marks Canada’s sesquicentennial (there’s a good word for you logophiles and Scrabble players). Orchestras across the country will be celebrating our rich musical heritage. Perhaps the largest-scale project is the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s Canada Mosaic. Funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage, it is described on their website: “A pan-Canadian Signature Initiative of Canada 150, includes the creation of new works by Canadian composers, a celebration of Canadian legacy works and artists, digital resources for all ages, and orchestral collaborations across the country.”
January 1, 2017
DW Drums Black Sheep Beater was designed by drummer Rich Redmond of Local 257 (Nashville, TN). The adjustable bass drum beater offers drummers easy solutions for changing the sound of their bass drums on the fly.
January 1, 2017
The Vintage Viator Paul Brett 12-string electro-acoustic travel guitar features a solid spruce top with sapele back and sides, plus nato customized v-shape neck with rosewood fingerboard.