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 Pirating Still Common Among One-Third of World’s Population


Music Pirating Still Common Among One-Third of World’s Population

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A customer insight report from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) recently found that 38% of consumers are still obtaining music illegally. Based on a study conducted by the IFPI in which they surveyed 16 to 64-year-olds in 18 countries, the top three forms of copyright infringement are stream-ripping (32%), downloads through cyberlockers or P2P (23%), and search engine findings (17%).

Why are consumers still pirating music? According to the IFPI study, stream-rippers are pirating music because they want to listen to music offline without having to pay for a premium subscription. As technology advances, pirating music will remain a common way for consumers to acquire music.

A study at University of Nevada Las Vegas, under direction of psychology researcher Joanne Ullman, tested 220 undergraduate college students’ reactions to a variety of words, phrases, and symbols. The study found that possible government surveillance and threats towards privacy were just as effective as large fines, and pairing the two was exceedingly effective. Ullman hopes that this study provides options to help fight music piracy and educate the public about it.







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