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.

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Traveling Musician

Problems Crossing a Border with a Criminal Record

July 24, 2015

Even a minor criminal conviction can cause you to be turned away from a border crossing. Many musicians are surprised to find out that their criminal record prevents them from traveling overseas for work. I received this letter from a reader:

Canadian Waivers and Taxation for Foreign Artists

May 28, 2015

Ignoring the taxation requirements of a foreign country can lead to unforeseen complications, as this letter illustrates:

United States Taxation for Foreign Artists

May 1, 2015

by Robert Baird, President Baird Artists Management (BAM!) The issue of United States Taxation for foreign artists came up in a recent letter: I have a band that is looking to play a corporate event in the US at the end of June. My accountant just informed me of the Central Withholding Agreement that could […]

Crazy Gigs Can Be Learning Experiences

March 25, 2015

Thanks for all the e-mails about the memorable, out-of-the-ordinary, and crazy gigs. Many of these events become learning experiences for the musicians involved.

Everything You Need to Know About Tax Numbers

March 25, 2015

Revenue Canada and the IRS require tax numbers, both from individuals and businesses, for a variety of reasons, make sure you know all of them.

AFM Updates “ Road Gig ” Assistance Policy

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


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 […]



Get It in Writing

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.

Time to Think About Tax Refunds

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.

AFM Partners with Government and Airlines to Resolve Long Overdue Inconsistent Policies

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.







NEWS

Report from the 48th Annual OCSM Conference

October 1, 2023

by Robert Fraser, OCSM President and member of Local 247 (Victoria, BC) The Hotel Ruby Foo’s in the west end of Montreal was the site of this past summer’s Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians (OCSM) Conference, held August 14-17. Local 406 (Montreal, PQ) was our generous host. We begin each conference with oral reports from […]

AMY HESS: Getting Involved in Fixing the Future

October 1, 2023

Service Starts Early Orchestra musicians of a half-century ago would hardly recognize their jobs if they saw most modern orchestras. Certainly, much of the repertoire is the same, but working conditions have been vastly improved, and musicians today typically take on many other duties to ensure their own futures. Amy Hess of Local 10-208 (Chicago, […]

What to Know Before You Fly

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″ […]