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.
July 22, 2014
IM -Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has thrown his support behind the AFM’s Listen Up! Campaign, which calls for production companies, who pocket millions in US taxpayer incentives, to stop offshoring musical scoring work. “I’m fighting for good-paying, middle-class jobs across California, and our work to pass legislation—which will boost production and music scoring—must be with that goal in mind,” says Garcetti.
Halting the bleed of film and television production jobs out of California has been a top priority for Garcetti. Alongside the musicians union and other entertainment guilds, he has taken a leading role in advocating for the passage of AB 1839, the bill that would enhance the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program and provide a bump in the incentive for film soundtrack scoring in California.
Last month, AFM Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) hosted a ceremony naming Garcetti an Honorary Member of the musicians union in appreciation of his efforts to stem runaway production from Hollywood and for his support of Los Angeles musicians. “Himself an accomplished pianist and composer, Mayor Garcetti truly understands the issues and concerns of professional musicians,” said musician Andy Malloy. “We commend him for standing with us in our efforts to stop the offshoring of film scoring work and keep music jobs in the United States.”