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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Home » Recent News » Music Modernization Act Passed in Senate


Music Modernization Act Passed in Senate

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In April of this year, the Music Modernization Act (MMA) passed unanimously in the House and on September 19, it passed unanimously in the Senate. The bill was renamed the Orrin G. Hatch Music Modernization Act, honoring Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), a composer himself and strong advocate for the MMA.

The Music Modernization Act is the first major piece of copyright music licensing legislation to move through Congress in the past 30 years.

The goal of the bill is to revise copyright protection for music creators and musicians in a digitally growing world.

There are three components to the bill:

  • Musical Works Modernization Act: establishes a public database for artists and composers to ensure rights holders are paid appropriately for streamed music
  • AMP Act: gives music producers and engineers the right to collect future digital royalties on their sound recordings
  • Compensating Legacy Artists for their Songs, Service, and Important Contributions to Society (CLASSICS Act): Establishes royalty payments for legacy artists that created works performed before 1972

Only two more steps are to be taken to make the Music Modernization Act law. It will go to the House for approval of the new version of the bill and then to the President for a final decision.







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