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.
August 31, 2015
“Right to Work” can destroy the working people in any state the law is active, but the best defense against “Right to Work” is extremely simple: organize!
August 25, 2015
“Any Orchestra committees who seek the authority to administer the agreement must also acknowledge the responsibility and liability for decisions…”
August 20, 2015
As a musician, it cannot be stated enough for you to know your rights. It may sound obvious, but many musicians don’t fully grasp what their rights are.
August 18, 2015
Musicians should read these strategies for effective negotiating teams to get a better understanding for when they are ready to discuss important matters
August 13, 2015
Here’s the best way to start Promoting Your Orchestra Using the New Integrated Media Agreement to ensure you get the most out of the IMA…
August 11, 2015
Music & Memory has expanded their work through nursing homes all over the country. Entire state health agencies have endorsed this therapy for use throughout all their eldercare facilities
August 10, 2015
Under the Bus, On a Pedestal, or Business as Usual? Discretionary Overscale and Parity for Subs and Extras in the Symphony Orchestra…..
August 7, 2015
Having Musicians on the boards of directors can be problematic when it comes to making decisions that would be better for an orchestra overall…
July 31, 2015
“Feeling nervous before a performance is normal,” says Dr. Richard Cox, a musician, music educator, and psychologist at the Colorado School of Professional Psychology. A certain amount of “concern” is probably good, normal, and useful, Cox continues, but anxiety is a physiological hindrance to good performance. When the nervous system registers “anxiety,” it has already […]
July 14, 2015
The EMSD staff have compiled the Top 10 most important reasons why you should record under AFM agreements that you really need to read….