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.
February 29, 2016
Three Ways to Ramp Up Your Image This Year — If you’re an indie musician or group, you want to have a great promo kit, good PR, and a fan base to support you.
February 1, 2016
WIPO Examines Streaming Inequalities—The AFM has made a commitment to continuing its participation as a non-governmental organization in the activities of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
February 1, 2016
Election 2016—Make Your Vote Count!— Our relationship with affiliate AFL-CIO unions often has us working with members of Congress on a broad range of nonartistic issues such as healthcare, pensions, prevailing wages, and the right to bargain collectively.
February 1, 2016
International Conference Examines Performers’ Rights and Online Revenue—
February 1, 2016
Exposure, Promotion, and Protection — The empty promise of “exposure” is often used to convince musicians and artists to give away what they spent a lifetime creating.
February 1, 2016
International Musician Looking Forward to Changes and Growth —
January 1, 2016
2015 Office of Government Relations Review and Look Ahead for 2016 — After years of negotiating and lobbying, the AFM, in partnership with the airline carry-on coalition, marked the implementation of a final rule from the Department of Transportation regarding musical instruments as carry-on and checked baggage.
January 1, 2016
«Si j’exige un contrat, je vais perdre mon engagement. » Vraiment? — « Sans contrat », « non Guilde » ou « au noir » sont autant de synonymes du travail que les membres choisissent – ou se laissent convaincre – de faire sans remplir et soumettre la documentation se rapportant à l’une ou l’autre des ententes de l’AFM ou aux tarifs de leur section locale.
January 1, 2016
If You Ask for a Contract, Will You Lose the Gig? — The AFM provides legally-tested contracts and report forms for use by members for all types of musical engagements to protect the work they do and the products they create from capricious misuse and unauthorized additional uses.
January 1, 2016
What Does the Friedrichs Case Really Mean for Working Americans? — Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association (CTA) goes to the heart of public sector workers’ ability to unionize and lobby for standards that protect every American.