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.
December 1, 2022
Beginning in 2018, Fiddler on the Roof performed in Yiddish was selling out shows. The off-Broadway production, which was about to go on tour in 2020 when the pandemic hit, was revived this fall at New World Stages. The production had a union contract covering the actors and other production workers, but the producers refused […]
December 1, 2022
The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Quebec Lieutenant Pablo Rodriguez announced nearly $10 million directed to 59 projects that will provide long-term support for cultural workers and musicians, including projects for two AFM unions, Local 145 (Vancouver, BC) and Local 571 (Halifax, NS).
November 1, 2022
In 1997, Canada signed the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT), one of two international treaties negotiated for the purpose of adapting copyright rules to new and emerging technologies. The treaty set out a number of protections that member countries are to provide to authors. Article 8 provides that authors of literary and artistic works shall enjoy the […]
November 1, 2022
by Heather Boehm, Theatre Musicians Association President and Member of Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL) There is a lot to report from the Theatre Musicians Association (TMA). We’re deeply engaged in our mission: “… to promote the respective interest of theatre orchestras and their member musicians, both full-time and part-time; both local and traveling; to enhance […]
October 20, 2022
Members in good standing who reside in or were employed as musicians in areas designated by FEMA as Federal Disaster Areas for Individual Assistance are encouraged to apply to the AFM Hurricane Relief Fund. Download the AFM Hurricane Relief Fund application from the AFM website and follow the instructions.
September 29, 2022
In September, the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) scholarship program awarded more than $165,000 in educational grants to 120 students. The MPTF scholarship fund was established in June 2020 to help AFM member families during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 90 students whose parents are members of the AFM received the MPTF’s Music Family scholarships […]
September 29, 2022
Former AFM President Victor Fuentealba turned 100 years old on September 1. A lifetime resident of Baltimore, Fuentealba has been a member of Local 40-543 (Baltimore, MD) for 81 years. He held leadership roles at both the local and national level, serving as International Federation President from 1978 to 1987. More than 125 friends, family, […]
September 25, 2022
On September 22, Congress moved a step closer to ending a decades-long injustice against music creators with the Senate introduction of S. 4932, American Music Fairness Act (AMFA), sponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Alex Padilla (D-CA). An identical bill (HR 4130) has already been introduced and received a hearing in the House, setting Congress up […]
September 11, 2022
Note: As I am preparing this column for the October edition of the International Musician—today, September 11, 2022—America and the world pause on the 21st anniversary of the vicious attacks in New York City; Washington, DC; and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Reprinted below is an article I wrote for our local newsletter as president of Local 72-147 […]
September 1, 2022
This year, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois State AFL-CIO Conventions have all adopted resolutions requiring affiliate unions to hire union performers and use union contracts for entertainment. In 2005, a SAG-AFTRA resolution passed the Oregon AFL-CIO convention, requiring affiliate unions to hire union performers—including musicians—and use union contracts. But, over the past decade and a half, […]