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 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.
January 1, 2017
QSC’s TouchMix30 Pro digital mixer provides functionality that meets the needs of production professionals, musicians, and bands, as well as performance venues.
December 19, 2016
In 2008, when President Larry Feudo and his board took over the leadership of Local 293 (Hamilton, ON) they faced a tough challenge. “Our membership had been decimated to under 300 because of poor prior leadership and embezzlement,” he explains.
December 13, 2016
In October, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the fees for O and P visa applications would increase by 42%, from $325 US to $460 per petition, effective December 20.
December 7, 2016
In October, SAG-AFTRA called a strike against certain video game producers. SAG-AFTRA members have sought, through two years of negotiations, to modernize a decades old contract covering voiceover and performance capture artists
December 2, 2016
Featuring holiday gift ideas for your favorite musician! Gig Gloves Worry-free grip Never worry about hurting your hands before or after the gig, while loading in and out, or setting up your rig. Gig Gloves are the only work glove designed specifically for gigging musicians, DJs, roadies, and production and live event professionals. They offer […]