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.
September 20, 2015
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1965 signing of the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act, on September 29, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has launched a special site where the public can share their story of the arts via a simple form.
September 17, 2015
If only these walls could talk! In celebration of its 125th anniversary, performers and the public are invited to submit their favorite Carnegie Hall stories…
September 16, 2015
One of Igor Stravinsky’s early orchestral works thought to be irretrievably lost was recently discovered. He composed the 12-minute piece, Pogrebal’naya Pesnya (Funeral Song), in honor of his teacher Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, around June 1908.
September 16, 2015
Local 802 (New York City) has launched a new hashtag fundraising campaign to support its Emergency Relief Fund (ERF), which has helped musicians in times of crisis since 1967. The local hopes that the hashtag #NotesForRelief will go viral, attracting donations from successful musicians and music lovers.
September 16, 2015
Teaching private lessons is a great way to share your knowledge of music while also earning a little extra cash on the side.
September 15, 2015
This summer’s concert boom marks the first turnaround since the 2008 economic crash. According to Pollstar, North American concert sales were up 5.8% over 2014; Life Nation’s sales (through July) were up 7%; and AEG Live reported 26% gains at the box office.
September 14, 2015
When the nuclear accord agreement with Iran was reached this summer, artists in the Western countries involved hoped for greater cultural exchanges with the country.
September 14, 2015
Attorneys for Sony ex-employees have reached an agreement in principle with Sony Pictures in their class action suit resulting from last year’s hack and their compromised personal data.
September 14, 2015
On October 4, the Boston Musicians’ Association, Local 9-535 (Boston, MA), is co-sponsoring a three-hour Hollywood Orchestration Master Class by Norm Ludwin of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA).
September 14, 2015
On September 8, Hartford musicians, Local 400 President Joseph Messina and Secretary Candace Lammers, and their supporters gathered outside the Connecticut State Capitol building to rally in support of Hartford Symphony Orchestra, which is fighting for a fair contract