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.
February 1, 2016
WIPO Examines Streaming Inequalities—The AFM has made a commitment to continuing its participation as a non-governmental organization in the activities of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
February 1, 2016
Election 2016—Make Your Vote Count!— Our relationship with affiliate AFL-CIO unions often has us working with members of Congress on a broad range of nonartistic issues such as healthcare, pensions, prevailing wages, and the right to bargain collectively.
January 1, 2016
2015 Office of Government Relations Review and Look Ahead for 2016 — After years of negotiating and lobbying, the AFM, in partnership with the airline carry-on coalition, marked the implementation of a final rule from the Department of Transportation regarding musical instruments as carry-on and checked baggage.
September 8, 2015
There are some myths and false claims for why people are afraid to join the union. Here’s how to deal with those people and how to encourage union membership.
July 19, 2015
Support Fair Play, Fair Pay because it gives musicians and other performers the simple and undeniable right to be compensated for their creative product.
May 28, 2015
Success consists of having a good relationship with all the people that have traveled through life with us, especially those who have touched our inner soul and spirit. Thus, we must give the best of ourselves touching their souls and spirits. One of the main goals in our lives should be that we must live the best way we can, to love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are as the greatest musicians in the world.
May 1, 2015
There are many challenges to maintaining your career as a professional musician. We live in a technology-driven world that has dramatically changed the way music is distributed, marketed, and sold.
March 25, 2015
The 2016 AFM Convention is less than a year and a half away. That may seem a long way off, but in reality, it will be upon us sooner than we think. Now is the time locals should begin preparing and making plans to attend the convention.
March 25, 2015
Theatre Musicians Association (TMA) has been quite busy in the past year. I can think of no better way to demonstrate this than by writing about what the Executive Board and volunteer committees have been up to in the TMA’s year review.
March 25, 2015
MusicianFest will stage up to 500 free performances at senior centers in an effort to bring the positive impact of music into the lives of older adults