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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Officer Columns, Vice President

A Report on the International Freelance Conference

At the end of May, the International Federation of Musicians (FIM), a membership organization that includes musician unions from around the world, hosted their first-ever International Freelance Conference.


101st Convention: Real Unionism

One hundred and twenty-three years after our founding Convention in Indianapolis in October 1896, the Federation convened its 101st Convention on June 20 in Las Vegas.


Division in a Union Is Like Kryptonite

The reduction in pension benefits is truly unfortunate, but making sure there is a Pension Fund for musicians in the future is so important for all of us.


Labour Gears Up for War

When the gavel dropped to open the May 14 meeting of the Canada Council of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), the tone was a mix of elation and trepidation.


AFM Pension Fund: The Retiree Representative and Equitable Factors Panel

The Fund’s board of trustees recently appointed Brad C. Eggen, president of Local 30-73 (Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN) to act as the Retiree Representative.


It Has Been an Honor and a Privilege to Serve on the IEB

After 14 years and considerable thought, former Local 77 president Joe Parente has decided to not run for re-election to the IEB.


The EU Directive on Copyright

So, what is the Directive on Copyright? It’s designed to limit how copyrighted content is shared on online platforms.


2019 AFM 101st Convention Coming Soon!

The 2019 AFM 101st Convention will be held at the Westgate Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada June 17th through June 20th.


Campaign for Fairness in Streaming Media Begins in Los Angeles

The first leadership training and organizing committee development sessions recently concluded, with a goal to develop fairness in streaming media.


Exploit Legislative Relationships to Further Our Causes

One of the themes presented at our AFM Officer Training programs that take place just prior to our regional AFM Conferences is the importance of the relationships we create with our communities and our elected officials.








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