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.
January 2, 2016
Happy Birthday Settlement — In September, Chief US District Judge King in Los Angeles, who ruled that Warner/Chappell does not own a copyright to the lyrics.
January 1, 2016
Bill C-377 On Its Way Out — The controversial law would have required unions to disclose finite details of their spending.
December 31, 2015
Union Provides Canadian Workers with Funds — Citing liabilities of $4.5 million it is unlikely the employees will ever see the severance payments they are entitled to under their collective agreement.
December 30, 2015
Big Bird Remains Union — Earlier this year, Sesame Workshop announced a partnership with HBO bringing first-run episodes of Sesame Street exclusively to HBO for the next five years.
December 29, 2015
Flint Symphony Broadcast Wins Award — Bill Harris producer of a Flint Symphony Orchestra (FSO) broadcast won an “Aurora Awards” in the category Entertainment/Documentary—Music/Life concert for his FSO recording of “A Patriotic Salute”—Music in the Parks.
December 29, 2015
Pandora to Pay More — The new rate, 17 cents per 100 plays, is a key development in a long series of disputes over how much music companies and artists make from online streaming services. Some say the board didn’t go far enough.
December 28, 2015
Perlman Awarded Genesis Prize — The annual $1million award is given to individuals who have achieved extraordinary professional success, have made a significant contribtion to humanity, and inspire others…
December 21, 2015
Willie Nelson Receives Labor Award — In December, Willie Nelson, a member of Austin Local 433, received the Communications Workers of America Gerry Horgan Award from AFM President Ray Hair.
December 21, 2015
Unfair Labor Practice Strike Against Coca Cola — More than 300 workers at two Coca Cola facilities in Niles and Alsip, Illinois, initiated an unfair labor practices strike against the company last week.
December 20, 2015
Stradivarius on Display at MIM — This one-of-a-kind exhibition introduces the story of how early violin makers from the modest Italian city of Cremona shaped music from the 16th century onward.