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.
January 10, 2019
I am pleased to report that the General Agreement for Commercial Announcements (Canada) has been ratified. While there have been some delays in editing, I expect printing and distribution to take place shortly.
January 3, 2019
As 2018 comes to a close and we begin a new year, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on the past year and plan for what will be coming in 2019. All in all, 2018 was not as financially robust as 2017, but I am predicting the year will end with a comfortable surplus for the AFM.
January 2, 2019
When we consider fair wages and working conditions for musicians working roadshows, the Federation’s Pamphlet B and Short Engagement Tour Agreements (SET) are the gold standard.
December 4, 2018
The AFM International Executive Board (IEB) has extended hurricane relief assistance to both Hurricanes Florence and Michael.
December 2, 2018
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.
December 1, 2018
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.
November 21, 2018
The AFM New York Office plans to move to a new floor in the Paramount Building, located at 1501 Broadway, sometime next year.
November 19, 2018
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.
November 2, 2018
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.
October 17, 2018
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.