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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Officer Columns, Secretary-Treasurer

Ken Shirk – AFM International Secretary-Treasurer

Perseverance in Organizing Leads to Power for Employees

One of the most challenging tasks we have as a union is to organize. It takes commitment, resources, patience, perseverance, and tenacity. Organizing is the life-blood of a strong union. Without new members and new bargaining units, there is a slow trickle of declining membership. As a union loses members, there is a loss of […]


2022 AFL-CIO Convention Supports Music Fairness and Artists’ Rights

The 29th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 12-15. The AFL-CIO is a federation of 57 affiliated unions with 12.5 million members. Our AFM delegation to the convention consisted of AFM President Ray Hair; Lovie Smith-Wright of Local 65-699 (Houston, TX); and me. Preconvention events included an AFL-CIO Unity Summit and a Global […]


2021 AFM Audit Complete and Annual Report Available Online

The 2021 AFM audit has been completed. As in the past, the audited financials can be viewed within the AFM 2021 Annual Report, which has been uploaded to the AFM Members website. Using your AFM ID and password, log in and click on the Document Library tab and open the Financial Documents and Annual Report […]


AFL-CIO Convention Coming Up in June 2022

The AFL-CIO Convention, which last took place in St. Louis, Missouri (2017), will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from June 12-15, 2022. Normally, this convention is held every four years. However, the AFL-CIO Executive Council postponed the 29th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention from October 2021 to June 2022 to protect the health and safety of delegates […]


The AFM and FIM Express Support for Musicians of Ukraine

Our hearts go out to the Ukrainian people who have been deeply affected by the Russian invasion. They have endured unspeakable hardships and have shown great courage in the face of adversity. As of today, no one knows what the future holds for Ukraine, but we do know that freedom and the Ukrainians desire to […]


AFM Convention Postponed to 2023

It was not an easy decision to postpone the AFM Convention to next year, but convening it this year presented too many obstacles­—not the least of which was the safety of delegates, staff, guests, and performers. From the onset of the pandemic, many thought (including myself) that it would be over in several months. We […]


A Model of Labor Activism Passes

With the recent passing of retired AFM International Representative Eugene Tournour, the AFM and the labor movement have lost a remarkable labor activist. Gene could often be found on the front lines of demonstrations, protesting injustice in the fight for civil and workers’ rights. In the early 1960s, Gene was a Regional Representative for the […]


Returning to Work: Freedom to Vote Act

As the ball has dropped in Times Square ushering in the 2022 New Year, the hope is that this year will bring improved work situations for all AFM members. Last year brought the reopening of some theaters and music venues, but the return to full employment has been elusive. While we all want to get […]


Be Thankful and Optimistic This Holiday Season!

The holidays are upon us! As we continue to struggle with challenges—the San Antonio Symphony musicians’ strike, inflation, supply chain issues, port delays (unloading goods), truck delivery delays, postal service cutbacks, and the slow crawl back to live musical performances in theaters and other music venues—there is still much to be thankful for this holiday […]


AFM Convention Reminders—Early Notice to Locals

It’s hard to believe the 102nd AFM Convention is less than eight months away. It will be held at the Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 20-23, 2022. With the distractions that have been brought on by the pandemic, I wanted to provide locals with an early reminder that Federation per capita dues, Federation […]








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