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 29, 2020
I have always associated summer with a time to relax just a bit, attend concerts at outdoor venues, barbecue with family and friends, and yes, recharge the batteries for the upcoming fall season. This summer will be so different. All the summer activities I’ve come to enjoy year after year will either be changed significantly […]
June 29, 2020
The unconscionable displays of racism in America during the past weeks and months have prompted millions of people around the world to take to the streets in protest over the inhuman, intolerable cruelty that black Americans have endured from this nation’s system of criminal justice. The protests have come against the background of the global […]
June 22, 2020
Clearly, the new normal will be nothing like the old, and we may be stuck with it for quite some time. Make sure you have the AFM in your corner. Don’t go out into this new reality alone and unprepared.
June 4, 2020
There will be many lessons learned by all of us as individuals and together as a country while we navigate our way through the current crisis
June 2, 2020
Ray partnered with the Federation to develop a four-part virtual series featuring a fundraising portal that would accept donations for relief funds to help AFM freelance musicians whose jobs were lost due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
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?