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.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM

Robert Baird, Traveling Musician

Avoiding Border Woes

So, how does one avoid border woes? Simply put: do your homework well in advance.


Tips to Getting a Temporary Work Permit for the United States

Q: I am coming to the United States for a tour and I am making plans now to get my visa for the tour. Is there anything I need to know about getting a visa? The first thing a foreign artist, or nonresident alien (NRA), needs to know is that the visa required for any […]


First, You Have to Get Their Attention

Years ago, if an indie musician wanted to try to book a club or concert venue, they probably started by calling whoever the decision maker was—the club owner, theater manager, etc.—and tried to get them to hear them play. Today it’s a little different. It’s more than a phone call or a press kit with […]


The Complete Story on Canadian Work Permits

The Complete Story on Canadian Work Permits — For many years getting a work permit to bring your band to Canada for a bar, pub, or restaurant gig was a reality.


RVs and Elephants: Life Behind the Scenes for Ringling Gold Unit Musicians

RVs and Elephants: Life Behind the Scenes for Ringling Gold Unit Musicians — Touring year-round withRingling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circuses.


Tips for Safe Air Travels with Your Instrument

Tips for Safe Air Travels with Your Instrument — Customs, and other agencies have made improvements and reduced unexpected surprises when traveling by air.


TMA: Broadway and Beyond

TMA: Broadway and Beyond — TMA represents theatre musicians around the country; the Theatre Committee represents theatre musicians in New York City.


How to Structure an Overscale Deal that Works for You

How to Structure an Overscale Deal that Works for You —you may enjoy the negotiating wages or other “perks” that are beyond union scale minimum terms.


Touring and Theatre Special

Touring and Theatre Special — Welcome to the 2015 International Musician special section on the AFM’s Touring, Theatre, Booking and Immigration Division.


Central Withholding Agreements in the US

Most artists should take advantage of central withholding agreements (CWA) with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to reduce this withholding amount.








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