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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Executive Board Members, Officer Columns

ROPA: Maintaining Our Relevance

The Regional Orchestra Players Association (ROPA) Executive Board works diligently to provide a unique conference experience at each annual meeting


LAANE: New US Film Scoring Policies and Incentive Rules Are Key to More Work

The Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) is a renowned (and sometimes feared) research and public policy powerhouse based in Los Angeles.


The Music Performance Trust Fund — Get the Picture!

If you have ever heard me speak about the mission of the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF), you might remember that I invariably request photos, whenever possible.


International Musician, Updated for Today’s Musicians

As the publisher of the International Musician, it is my duty to update you on the progress of some of the directives and recommendations set forth by the International Musician Committee…


Our Music Is a Statement for Peace

On January 7, the world was once again shocked by a despicable act of terrorism, this time on the streets of Paris. And also again, the world turned to music to respond to and attempt to recover from the scenes of hatred, even though it is impossible to make sense of such heinous acts.


Midwinter Meanderings: Finding Union Resources

Roadblocks. Every now and then we have all run into them and we face a choice: stay where we are or find a detour. It sometimes seems there are roadblocks everywhere we turn. Some of them can be maneuvered around easily, where others require pretty significant detours.


Standards Committee Finds Solutions for Locals

The Canadian Conference has always been an active, engaging and results-oriented event. The last two remained true to that legacy, as they spawned a special Standards Committee, comprised of Local 279 (London, ON) Secretary-Treasurer Ted Peacock; Local 384 (Brockville, ON) Vice President Pat Johnson; Local 591 (Thunder Bay, ON) Secretary-Treasurer Norm Slongo; Local 293 (Hamilton, ON) President Larry Feudo; and Local 547 (Calgary, AB) Secretary-Treasurer Chair Doug Kuss, who is committee chair.


Working Musician Connection E-mail Launches

This month my column focuses on initiatives and benefits, new and old, to AFM membership. Working Musician Connection I am proud to announce the upcoming launch of the AFM Working Musician Connection—an electronic newsletter (e-newsletter) focused on career building for musicians. This e-newsletter will be include advice and tips to help freelance musicians find work […]


New Pension Law

In December, Congress passed the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014. This legislation is not currently relevant for the American Federation of Musicians & Employers’ Pension Fund (AFM-EPF) because it applies only to severely underfunded plans. The AFM-EPF is not severely underfunded.


Final Rules for Musical Instrument Air Travel Released by USDOT

I am pleased to announce that on December 30, 2014 the United States Department of Transportation released the long awaited final administrative rule which fully implements section 403 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2012 – the law authorizing musical instruments as carry-on baggage onboard US air carriers.








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