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.

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Recent News

EMI Loses Rights to Christmas Classic

EMI Loses Rights to Christmas Classic —the most performed Christmas song of all time, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” Covered by musicians ranging from Bruce Springsteen of Locals 399 (Asbury Park, NJ) and 47 (Los Angeles, CA) to Lynyrd Skynyrd to Justin Beiber of Local 418 (Stratford, ON), the rights to the song will revert to the heirs of J. Fred Coots, who co-wrote the tune with Haven Gillespie


New California Law Protects Digital Privacy

New California Law Protects Digital Privacy —the third state in the country to pass a law that requires police to get a court order before they can search through messages, photos, and other digital data stored on phones or company servers…


Mitchell Honored with Polaris Award

Mitchell Honored with Polaris Award —Joni Mitchell’s fourth album Blue (1971) was selected as the inaugural winner of Canada’s Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize…


Sanders Introduces Pro-Union Bill

Sanders Introduces Pro-Union Bill—a bill that would make is easier for workers to band together and demand better pay and treatment.


Provincial Unions May Strike

The unions say the strikes can still be avoided if the government shows good faith in bargaining contract negotiations. Nonetheless, provincial unions may strike.


Violinist Diane McElfish Helle Delivers Musical Hope to Patients

Diane McElfish Helle, 59, of AFM Local 56 (Grand Rapids, MI), is an accomplished violinist with the Grand Rapids Symphony. From a family of pianists, McElfish Helle began playing the piano at age five, and then picked up the violin in fourth grade as part of a public school program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She discovered an immediate affinity for the instrument, and hasn’t put it down since.


AFM Locals Prepare the Next Generation

AFM Locals Prepare the Next Generation by taking an active role in promoting education in schools, neighborhoods, and performing venues through community programs…


90 Years Ago—1925

90 Years Ago—1925—German trade union officials, welcomed by the AFL, arrived in the US to study the industrial conditions and American trade union methods.


Tips on Media Releases and Photographs

Tips on Media Releases and Photographs. Get the media on your side, by writing effective press releases and taking media-ready promotional photos…


Downchild Keeps Canadians Jumping More than 45 Years

Downchild blues band has been a Canadian institution since 1969. Co-founder and band leader Donnie “Mr. Downchild” Walsh of Local 149 (Toronto, ON) says that it was a Jimmy Reed record he heard at his girlfriend’s 16th birthday party that got him started on his blues path. By 1969, he had taught himself Reed’s harmonica technique and founded Downchild Blues Band with his brother Richard “Hock” Walsh. The band’s name was inspired by the Sonny Boy Williamson song “Mr. Down Child.”








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