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.
December 1, 2013
Tina Morrison – AFM International Executive Board Member and President of Local 105 (Spokane, WA) Last summer I witnessed a conversation between four bassists at our local and I have been ruminating on the information exchanged. One bassist is of retirement age (not from music); one is in his early 20s. Two are symphonic performers. […]
December 1, 2013
I am pleased to report on a remarkably constructive meeting between the US Copyright Office (USCO) and the Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industries Committee (AEMI) that took place in late October. The meeting not only identified a number of topics for further discussion, but one USCO staffer even ensured that her requests for public comment […]
November 1, 2013
Whether it is negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music or securing benefits such as healthcare and pension; AFM is always working hard for you and your families. But did you know that Union Plus is also working hard for you and your family? Through our strategic partnership with the Union Plus programs, active […]
November 1, 2013
Below is the text of my speech given at a rally in downtown Minneapolis on October 1, 2013, the one-year mark of the Minnesota Orchestra lockout. You can see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_SOO_PxEHg. We come together today to mark what happened exactly one year ago—the board of directors of the Minnesota Orchestra Association decided to use […]