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.
March 1, 2025
For musicians whose careers revolve around gigging, touring, eating on the road, and sitting for long periods, diverticulosis requires vigilance. Flare-ups can come on suddenly and may require urgent treatment. According to the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) diverticulosis affects half of everyone aged 60 and over in the US. As a person ages, […]
February 19, 2025
–Tax advice for informational purposes only, not intended to be a substitute for advice from your personal tax professional. En Francais Canadian musicians who independently contract their services and operate a music business are considered self-employed entrepreneurs (sole proprietors) for tax purposes. Musicians can reduce their tax bills considerably by claiming business expenses related to […]
February 19, 2025
by Alan Friedman, CPA, Partner, Friedman, Kannenberg & Company, P.C. Tax advice for informational purposes only, not intended to be a substitute for advice from your personal tax professional. As with most music professionals, there are two sides to the business of making music: the artist side and the business side. While most gigging musicians […]
February 1, 2025
Given the heart’s unremitting workload—it beats about 2.5 billion times over the average lifetime—it’s a wonder it performs so well, for so long. Like a finely tuned instrument, you will continue to get perfect sound as long as it’s taken care of and protected. But it can also fail, brought down by a poor diet […]
January 1, 2025
AFM Recording Agreements Can Protect Your Work AFM member recordings are covered under a variety of sound recording agreements, all designed to protect your work and the work of the musicians you hire. Taking into consideration the scope of your work and its intended use is key. You should always contact your local if you […]
January 1, 2025
Working musicians’ craft is about art and passion, but it’s also a livelihood. Protecting that livelihood requires smart business decisions. From cherished instruments to liability exposure, insurance is a vital safeguard. Through Federation partnerships over the years with group insurance entities, members have accessed a variety of insurance solutions tailored specifically to musicians. To continue […]
January 1, 2025
Overuse injuries are the most common among musicians. The pain does not come on immediately, but may occur an hour or so into practice or during a performance. This means that many musicians are playing through the pain. When playing is increased or if practice sessions go on for too long—with insufficient rest in between—tissue […]
December 1, 2024
Musicians move for a living, but how they move when playing their instruments is not typically part of their training. A body map is literally a picture of your body imprinted on your brain. When the body map accurately represents the true design of the body, we look and feel free, easy, and balanced. Conversely, […]
November 1, 2024
In April, a successor theatrical musical Pamphlet B and Short Engagement Tour (SET) agreement, negotiated with the Broadway League and Disney Theatrical Productions, Inc., was ratified by the bargaining unit. The agreement became effective April 15 and will run until February 28, 2027. Retroactive pay and related percentage pay items going back to August 2023, […]
November 1, 2024
by Michael Epperhart, Theatrical Trade Negotiator, AFM Theatre/Touring/Booking Division As the newly appointed AFM theatrical trade negotiator, I wanted to provide the backstory of how I came into this role. In addition, I would like to outline my work, goals, and current focus in our AFM community. I spent 15 years on the road with […]