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 1, 2014
The Regional Mexicano Traveling Musicians Union by Ken Shirk, Assistant to the AFM President, AFM West Coast Office Charter members of the AFM’s newest local gathered January 8th to adopt bylaws, elect temporary officers, and chart the course of their new union. The Regional Mexicano Traveling Musicians Union, AFM Local 50 (Nongeographic), held its first […]
January 9, 2014
by Adam Witkowski, Director of Organizing for Local 802 (New York City) The following article was reprinted from the October 2013 issue of Allegro, the magazine of AFM Local 802 (New York City). For more background, see www.Local802afm.org. The fight against music piracy has often been a battle waged against regular people. “Don’t pirate!” we’re […]
January 1, 2014
by Bruce Fife, AFM International Vice President and President of Local 99 (Portland, OR) fairTrade Music S When Future of Music Coalition (FMC) held its October Policy Summit in Washington, DC, the top minds in music, policy, technology, and law convened to talk about our industry, the directions it’s taking, and how we might guide […]
December 1, 2013
by John O’Connor, Local 802 Recording Vice President and Chair of the AFM Organizing Committee The following article was reprinted from the September 2013 issue of Allegro, the magazine of AFM Local 802 (New York City). For more background, see www.Local802afm.org. Adversity is often our best teacher. The case can be made that this is […]