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.
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 […]
April 1, 2024
en français : Du Bureau canadien, le point sur les permis de travail We have recently streamlined processing to provide greater transparency on P-2 visa processing, by upgrading our data tracking system. In addition to better tracking, we now provide automated status updates throughout the processing of member visas. The main contact will receive four […]
January 1, 2024
Beginning 2024 with Renewed Focus and Strength by Wages Argott, AFM Director of Freelance Services and Membership Development For many freelance and independent musicians, the thought of organized labor has long been reserved for those in service industries, manufacturing, trades, and public service. Regardless of the discipline, the gains achieved through collective power can’t be […]
November 1, 2023
Last season was exceptional as we had 12 full Pamphlet B shows and 10 Short Engagement Tours (SET) on the road in the United States and Canada. It is unusual to have more full Pamphlet B shows than SET shows on tour. Typically, one-third of the shows are full Pamphlet B and two-thirds are SET. […]
September 28, 2023
TSA Airport Security Screening Update It’s important to be aware that the TSA is in the process of updating security scanners at airports across the country. These new TSA screeners are smaller than previous equipment, and are causing delays and burdensome confusion for some musicians. The new machines’ smaller entry size (24.5″ W x 16.5″ […]
April 1, 2023
It’s a musician’s dream to play to a packed house. Yet for many, it comes with a cost. Paralyzing anxiety, often called stage fright, can derail concentration and sabotage your ability to play well. The autonomic nervous system emits a rush of adrenaline to prepare your body for a perceived threat, called a fight or […]
March 2, 2023
The AFM spent more than a decade trying to clarify and improve the ability of musicians to fly with instruments as carry-on baggage. These efforts resulted in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, which was implemented in 2015. The law states that if the instrument fits in the airline luggage bins and the […]
March 1, 2023
The reality of our chosen career path as professional musicians is that our creative vocation is a business. While we musicians spend a lot of time and effort constantly improving our musical abilities, talent and musical prowess alone are no guarantee of success in the music business. A little savvy with all the nonmusical aspects […]
January 1, 2023
Make Sure You Talk with Your Local About AFM Recording Agreements to 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. […]