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.
June 1, 2020
We have to stay nimble and we have to determine ways that we can use this tragedy as an opportunity for making systemic change, work to come out stronger on the other side.
May 18, 2020
During this time of lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders, musicians and music teachers are finding creative ways to teach and earn income.
May 11, 2020
2020 will be infamous in history as a virus now identified as COVID-19 effectively shut down an entire entertainment industry in an extremely sudden and devastating manner. This is not what we hoped for when using the term “going viral.”
May 6, 2020
AFM Secretary-Treasurer Jay Blumenthal gives an update on coronavirus response, the annual report, conference changes, the 2019 audit and more…
May 4, 2020
While we work through this time of uncertainty during the COVID-19 lockout one question remains: what will recovery look like when it’s over?
March 30, 2020
Music has lasting value, but that value is not automatically granted to the creator. Ultimately, it is up to you to stand up for yourself and your rights as a creator of intellectual property by working under an AFM contract.
March 30, 2020
Unfortunately, the average domestic digital royalty payment per member (including songwriters, composers, producers, publishers, and other composition rights owners) was a paltry $67 in 2019.
March 30, 2020
We have been working closely with the AFL-CIO Department for Professional Employees Arts, Entertainment and Media Industry unions to advocate for musicians and other creative professionals urging Congress to pass emergency relief legislation.
March 30, 2020
This month, AFM President Ray Hair has dedicated his column to accommodate special coverage of the Federation’s response to coronavirus.
March 3, 2020
As many of you know, on December 30, 2019, the AFM-EPF Trustees filed an application to reduce benefits under the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (MPRA).