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.
October 1, 2023
As we prepared to go to press with this issue we learned the shocking news that the board of directors of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (KWS) had decided to suspend operations and that the orchestra would not begin its 2023-2024 season as planned. This decision was announced to musicians and the press almost simultaneously. It was […]
October 1, 2023
The modern human is a strange species—particularly, the variety of the species that is intent on amassing wealth and goods far beyond what could possibly ever be needed for a comfortable existence. Our economic system has conditioned us to embrace and honor maximally extractive behavior to satisfy our continual quest for transient comforts in support […]
October 1, 2023
We have seen a lot of labor actions this past summer. Chances are they’re going to continue for a while. It’s driving meaningful changes to how all working people are perceived and valued. Seeing musicians supporting each other and supporting other union members by participating in leafleting and picketing is inspiring! Activism is the heart […]
September 1, 2023
August is player conference season, and it was quite a month. In July, I had the opportunity to meet with the Regional Orchestra Players Association (ROPA) in Atlanta as AFM president-elect. My first official appearance as president came in Montreal, Canada, when I visited with the Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians (Organisation des Musiciens d’Orchestre […]
September 1, 2023
Complacency is a curse. It’s a curse because it lulls us into a routine, diminishes our ability to see ourselves through the eyes of others, and siphons off our wherewithal to confront authority. It’s a curse because complacency is the mortal enemy of progress. Those of us who live within the comfortable walls of what […]
September 1, 2023
After serving on the AFM International Executive Board for 13 years, I am honored to be writing my first column as AFM International Vice President in this special Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD) issue. As a 45-year AFM Local 257 (Nashville, TN) member, recording is near and dear to my heart, and it has been […]
September 1, 2023
August is player conference season, and it was quite a month. In July, I had the opportunity to meet with the Regional Orchestra Players Association (ROPA) in Atlanta as AFM president-elect. My first official appearance as president came in Montreal, Canada, when I visited with the Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians (Organisation des Musiciens d’Orchestre […]
August 1, 2023
As I write this, I am transitioning from president of Local 802 (New York City) to my new role as international president of the AFM. As I do so, I close one chapter of my journey as a union leader and open another, in which I foresee unique challenges and opportunities ahead for this great […]
August 1, 2023
The delegates to the 102nd AFM Convention this past June have spoken, setting the Federation stage for the next three years. I am honored and humbled to have been elected as one of those stage props. Over the past few decades, the AFM has been graced with a long line of dedicated international secretary-treasurers, and […]
July 3, 2023
I’ll begin my final column (#156 of 156) by congratulating President-elect Tino Gagliardi, Secretary-Treasurer-elect Ken Shirk and the incoming executive committee on their election as your new AFM International Executive Board at the 102nd AFM Convention in Las Vegas. You inspired them to make the decision to run, and they did so because they believe […]