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 18, 2015
Finally, Good News from Congress — As 2015 comes to a close, the Future of Music Coalition announced some positive news for musicians and music fans within the omnibus appropriations bill:
December 17, 2015
Want to learn more about copyright laws, music, and money, and how they can and do affect your career?
December 17, 2015
AFM Members Named for 2016 Rock and Roll HoF Induction — Among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2016 inductees are AFM members Cheap Trick, Chicago, and Steve Miller.
December 16, 2015
McDonalds Investigated for EU Tax Evasion — According to USA Today, European regulators are investigating McDonald’s to determine if McDonald’s was given an unfair tax advantage by Luxembourg in breach of European Union state aid rules.
December 15, 2015
App Could Block Cell Phone Usage — For the last several years, artists have had to accept constant video recording and photo taking by fans during concerts.
December 15, 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. After nine months of appearing only on HBO, shows will then air on PBS.
December 14, 2015
The Copyright on Silence
December 11, 2015
RNs Meeting Covers Staffing — More than a thousand RN’s, members of National Nurses United, gathered in Los Angeles for a conference covering nursing issues.
December 11, 2015
Don Was Honored with Les Paul Award — The NAMM Foundation has announced that record producer, music industry executive, and Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member Don Was will receive the 2016 Les Paul Award at the 31st annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards and TECnology Hall of Fame January 23 at the 2016 NAMM Show.
December 10, 2015
Virtual School Teachers Organize — Online teachers in California recently won a victory in the effort to organize the state’s charter schools.