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 30, 2020
The Symphonic Services Division has been fielding inumerous calls and emails working to protect musicians compensation during this COVID-19 outbreak.
March 16, 2020
By Kevin Case, ICSOM Counsel and Member of Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL) Editor’s note: This article was a memo sent to International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) delegates and committee chairs, and a version of this is appearing in the ICSOM newsletter Senza Sordino. It is being reprinted with permission. Dear Delegates: As you […]
July 25, 2019
What does unity look like for an orchestra? To our public, we appear unified in our formal attire performing with unity of thought and action.
July 23, 2019
Freelance symphonic musicians share common ground with “gig economy” workers, from the multiple sources of their income to the variety of work they perform.
July 22, 2019
Using data from the wage charts, you can ensure your aspirational vision is not a mirage and that there are other institutions where your aspirations are reality.
July 18, 2019
Welcome to the symphonic focus issue of the International Musician for 2019 which focuses on symphonic organizing, solidarity and inclusion.
July 15, 2019
Just prior to the 101st convention of the AFM, the International Executive Board approved the charter of new Local 423 in Boise.
July 10, 2019
On June 15, the members of the NSO ratified their first collective agreement.
July 8, 2019
On April 15, after 18 months of extremely difficult bargaining, the AFM and the Symphony, Opera and Ballet Employers’ Electronic Media Association (EMA) reached agreement on a successor Integrated Media Agreement (IMA).
July 30, 2018
Wagechart is an online platform where most current, as well as historic, data about wages and working conditions for symphony orchestras affiliated to the players conferences are collected and made available for ad hoc industry analysis.