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, Secretary-Treasurer

Hurricane Relief Extended to Hurricanes Florence and Michael

The AFM International Executive Board (IEB) has extended hurricane relief assistance to both Hurricanes Florence and Michael.


Streaming: The Economy of Listening

Below are excerpts from a keynote speech given by SoundExchange President and CEO Mike Huppe at the AFM-FIM International Streaming Conference held in Burbank, California, October 2-3.


Is the Album Doomed?

According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), album sales in the US for the first half of 2018 (including downloads, CDs, and vinyl) were down 25.8%, compared to a year earlier.


AFM New York Office Plans for Move in 2019

The AFM New York Office plans to move to a new floor in the Paramount Building, located at 1501 Broadway, sometime next year.


The Value of AFM Membership Is Realized Through Proper Contracts

The shocking thing for me is discovering that these members are unaware of benefits they should have been receiving for years, such as payments for new use of their recordings, special payments, and pension statements laden with employer contributions. After a considerable number of recordings and a substantial amount of national success, how can this be? In a word: contracts.


Rallying in Support of Striking Lyric Opera Orchestra Musicians

Following is the text of a speech Ray Hair gave October 12, in Chicago’s Daley Plaza in support of striking Lyric Opera Orchestra musicians.


Activists Needed!

When negative things happen in the workplace that affect people adversely, things that are unjust or unfair, musicians are moved towards activism because they realize, if things are going to change, they need to get involved.


Canadian Federation of Musicians Bargaining Roundup

The summer and fall of this year have shaped up to be negotiation-heavy. While exhausting, we see this as an opportunity to secure better wages and benefits for our members who work under those agreements.


AFM-FIM Conference: Musicians Are Entitled to a Fair Share of the Streaming Pie

At the AFM-FIM conference on October 2 and 3 in Burbank, CA, AFM and FIM members will discuss fair pay for musicians in television and streaming.


Two New IM Initiatives for Members

A member new recording listing will now be a regular section in the print magazine, (see page 22), plus the Gig Labs email blast will introduce subscribers to new gadgets and gear through a regular e-mail blast and provide a low-cost advertising option for entrepreneur members with products to sell.








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