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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Articles, Executive Board Members, Officer Columns

Career Pathways: A Potential Bridge to Diversity

August 1, 2018

Our program, officially titled “AFM Local 47 Career Pathways Program,” launched last month with funding from the Verdugo Workforce Investment Board (or as those of us who sit on these boards call them “the WIB”).

In Troubled Times, Stand Up and Fight Back

July 18, 2018

We’re in a pivotal time in the history of the United States. We can agree to disagree on many things, but as musicians, we have to acknowledge the great wealth that immigrants brought to our country.

Are You Using the AFM Joint Venture Agreement to Protect your Intellectual Property?

July 2, 2018

The AFM Joint Venture Agreement is designed for self-contained bands who want to document their recordings and business relationship with a no-cost contract that protects everyone involved.

The MPTF Advantage: Employment, Audience Building, Recognition

June 5, 2018

The Federation’s recently concluded Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) has brought new life to both the Sound Recording Special Payments Fund (SPF) and the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF), which are important residual components of that agreement. As music consumption transitioned to streaming, both funds experienced declining revenue due to the precipitous drop in royalties from physical recorded product (CDs, etc.) and digital downloads, which had been the sole sources of revenue for the funds. 

Advocacy and Pension Reform Take Precedence in Washington, DC

April 16, 2018

As AFM members are confronted with the uncertainties of both tax and pension reform, AFM President Ray Hair has refocused the work of the union’s Office of Government Relations to maximize its visibility and effectiveness relating to issues that impact our jobs and lives.

Community Engagement Is Essential to Our Mission

April 2, 2018

In these complex times, it is more important than ever for all musicians and concerned citizens to remain engaged in our communities—and if possible, take things up a notch.

It’s Time for Solidarity

January 17, 2018

So, now is a time for great discipline. We need to trust what we know and not allow outside influences to distract us. We know that working together we have strength and can build. It’s a time for solidarity.

Nightlife Office and Advisory Committee

October 2, 2017

If this office is to be impactful, and if other municipalities are to follow New York City’s example, the Nightlife Office must work with locally elected community leaders and administration to develop regulatory mechanisms that empower the director to protect performers who are otherwise unsupported and unprotected.

Music Makes the World Smaller

October 2, 2017

Music brings people together under many different circumstances. It is still the common thread in the complex fabric of life in the 21st century. One way that I describe this phenomenon is to say that music makes the world smaller.

Building a Strong Union

August 14, 2017

Recently in Los Angeles, the California State Labor Federation, along with state labor federations from Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, held a conference to address what is deemed to be the inevitable implementation of national “right to work” legislation by the current US Congress. Several hundred union leaders gathered to discuss best practices for unions already facing right to work. Invaluable information was distributed to those in attendance.







NEWS

AFM Members Among Most Powerful Women in the Music Industry

October 15, 2018

Each year, BBC Radio 4 releases a list of the most powerful women in the music industry. This “Women’s Hour Power List” features women that are performers, business owners, musicians, and executives and have a strong influence in the industry.

Saxophonist Recognized for Work with Detroit’s Jazz Community

October 15, 2018

Wendell Harrison, member of Local 5 (Detroit, MI), was recently named the 2018 Kresge Eminent Artist. This lifetime achievement award honors a musician who has had a significant impact on the cultural environment of Detroit and is dedicated to the development of Detroit’s cultural community and residents.

Violinist Earns Recognition for Work with Underprivileged

October 9, 2018

Vijay Gupta, member of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), was recently named a MacArthur Fellow. His work with the homeless and under-resourced communities has inspired musicians all over the Los Angeles area.