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 25, 2015
Unfortunately, our health care system is not set up for easy comparison shopping. Here are some tips for saving money on health care in 2015.
March 25, 2015
If that ever does happen, though, the AFM offers help through “Road Gig,” an AFM policy to assist traveling musicians in the event of contract defaults. But what exactly is Road Gig?
Helpful Resources for Flying with Musical Instruments The AFM TEMPO Sourcebook This is the union’s guide to the effective administration of our TEMPO Program. The manual can be found in the Document Library section of the AFM website in the Legislative Office folder. We strongly recommend AFM local officers, boards, regional and player conferences, and TEMPO […]
February 26, 2015
I think the best way to deal with a botched verbal contract is to avoid the whole mess in the first place. Get it in writing. I personally learned this the hard way.
February 26, 2015
When I asked if he’d ever considered using musicians’ earplugs the man laughed at the absurdity of such an idea. Unfortunately, hearing loss really is no laughing matter, especially for musicians.
February 25, 2015
It’s a new year and it’s time to start thinking about getting a refund of taxes withheld in a foreign country by filing a nonresident tax return.
February 23, 2015
It’s been nearly 10 years that I’ve been managing and marketing professional cover bands and musicians. It’s an understatement to say the market has changed. By changed I mean it’s gotten tougher to secure bookings, a lot tougher.
January 30, 2015
On December 29, 2014, Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx issued a final rule regarding the carriage of musical instruments onboard US air carriers. The rule was published in the Federal Register January 5, 2015 and is scheduled to go into effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, around March 6.
January 27, 2015
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February is generally the peak month for flu activity. This season has been dominated by H3N2 viruses, which generally lead to more severe illness.
January 27, 2015
For the last couple of months I’ve been writing about awful gigs. I know that, as an AFM member you’ve also had funny gigs, crazy gigs, and memorable gigs. I’m sure that, as a professional musician, you’ve played them all.