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.
September 20, 2016
Following a scathing AP report about the plight of foreign workers on American fishing vessels working out of Hawaii, state and federal lawmakers are promising to reform laws that allow the mistreatment of the workers.
September 20, 2016
This November Virginians will vote on a proposed amendment that would put the provisions of the Virginia right to work (for less) law into state constitution.
September 13, 2016
PRS Signature artist and AFM member Carlos Santana of Local 6 (San Francisco, CA) is holding a unique fundraising event at to benefit healthcare facilities serving two areas in Mexico.
September 1, 2016
Blues fusion merges the soulfulness of the blues with the sophistication of jazz.
August 30, 2016
In August, the Herb Alpert Foundation announced plans to donate $10.1 million to Los Angeles City College (LACC) to create an endowment that will allow all music majors at the school to have a tuition-free education. The gift is the largest ever to an individual Southern California community college, and the second largest in the history of the state.
August 16, 2016
Members of the health care workers union have successfully negotiated a labor contract with Massachusetts Steward Health Care that will raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2019 and guarantee workers access to affordable health insurance.
August 11, 2016
Following Donald Trump’s Michigan speech detailing his long-awaited economic plan, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka issued the following statement:
August 11, 2016
JoAnn Falletta of Local 125 (Norfolk, VA), music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Virginia Symphony, and legendary saxophonist Wayne Shorter will be inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in October.
August 11, 2016
Hundreds of unionized postal workers and their supports, some bused in from Ottawa and Quebec City, marched at the Montreal office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to call attention to the lack of progress in negotiations. The Canadian Union of Postal workers is hoping to the Liberal government will pressure Canada Post to negotiate in good faith.
August 10, 2016
While Led Zeppelin did win the copyright war over “Stairway to Heaven,” it will not be compensated for its $800,000 in legal fees.