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.
October 15, 2015
Sanders Introduces Pro-Union Bill—a bill that would make is easier for workers to band together and demand better pay and treatment.
October 14, 2015
The unions say the strikes can still be avoided if the government shows good faith in bargaining contract negotiations. Nonetheless, provincial unions may strike.
October 7, 2015
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.
October 6, 2015
AFM Locals Prepare the Next Generation by taking an active role in promoting education in schools, neighborhoods, and performing venues through community programs…
October 5, 2015
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.
October 5, 2015
Tips on Media Releases and Photographs. Get the media on your side, by writing effective press releases and taking media-ready promotional photos…
October 5, 2015
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.”
October 5, 2015
How accessible are you? A good musician who gets lots of opportunities is usually one that is easily available to get in touch with. So are you accessible?
October 2, 2015
When it arrived in Arkansas, he discovered that TSA had failed to put back security belts that kept the instrument in place. As the airline would have had no reason to open the case, it is likely TSA is at fault.
October 2, 2015
Air Canada today announced it has added Symphony Nova Scotia and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra to its roster of Canadian symphony orchestras it supports from coast to coast. The airline is offering special policies to ease its customer travel experience.