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 1, 2024
Most of us get annoyed when ads pop up on social media and we wonder how they knew what we were thinking about. We are already getting used to speaking to Alexa and Siri and it’s hard to ignore that some of the technology references from Back to the Future movies are here. Those are […]
September 1, 2024
As election day approaches, I would like to take a moment to recognize the importance of politics to our union, and the work of our own National Legislative Office. From this Washington, DC base, the AFM is able to build relationships with political allies and lobby for issues that are important to musicians and other […]
September 1, 2024
When this administration stepped into office a year ago, one of the first messages awaiting me was a notice from the Federation’s group membership insurance broker that AIG/New Hampshire was pulling the plug on the AFM’s long-running musical instrument and band liability insurance programs for US members. That started what became a months-long scramble by […]
September 1, 2024
en francais While the US approaches another important election in a few months, in Canada we have about 18 months left under the current government. There is a push from the artistic communities in Canada to lobby for a Live Performance Tax Credit. With comparisons to Film Tax credits, a Live Performance Tax credit would […]
September 1, 2024
Embracing Diversity: A Path to Solidarity in Our Union by Greg Riley, AFM Diversity Committee Member and Member of Locals 77 (Philadelphia, PA) and 802 (New York City) As we reflect on our union’s history, we stand at a pivotal moment. This moment offers us the opportunity to embrace the true essence of solidarity and […]
August 1, 2024
I am pleased to announce that our pension fund’s application for Special Financial Assistance (SFA), provided through the multiemployer pension rescue plan, has been officially approved. The American Federation of Musicians and Employers’ Pension Fund (AFM-EPF) will receive the restorative funding this month. The funding ($1,440,137,839 of assistance, plus $87,701,535.81 in interest from December 31, […]
August 1, 2024
Feedback: Reader Calls for Contrition Over Condescending “Crazies” Comment I thank member Lang for his feedback to my July column, see Feedback letter below. (Full disclosure: Portions of member Lang’s letter that referred to President Biden’s mental health, Trump’s felony conviction, past reportage on COVID remediation policies, and the 2016 Russian election collusion were omitted […]
August 1, 2024
en francais : Influence et legs : vivre selon notre mission et nos valeurs Most of us, in one way or another, have been influenced artistically by musicians that came before us. As a trumpet player, the music of Miles Davis is one of many such influences on my sound and creative approach to music. While […]
August 1, 2024
So, you find yourself elected to your local’s executive board, either as a titled officer or a member-at-large. Or perhaps you were elected to a negotiation committee, or your local’s diversity committee. Maybe you have been appointed as a steward or health and safety representative in your workplace. All these are signs you are recognized […]
July 1, 2024
Following the Second Quarter AFM International Executive Board (IEB) meeting, held June 12-14 at the Motor City Casino in Detroit, Michigan, I have been reflecting on the considerable progress the Federation has made in the last 11 months. In April, the Education Committee launched the new AFM Officer Training program at the Western Conference of […]