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.
September 1, 2019
IM -The National Philharmonic in Maryland will continue performing in the coming season and beyond, after avoiding a near shut-down this summer.
In July, the orchestra announced unexpectedly that it had run out of money and would cease operations. The announcement prompted an outcry from audience members and musicians. In response, the philharmonic’s president put together an emergency fundraising campaign which raised $210,000—enough to cover operations in the coming season.
However, the musicians’ trust in management had already been lost. Jim Kelly, a violinist in the orchestra and a member of Local 161-710 (Washington, DC) and of Local 40-543 (Baltimore, MD), launched an independent fundraising campaign, raising $300,000. Those funds were to go to the National Philharmonic on the condition that senior leadership would be replaced; the board unanimously approved the plan.
Kelly will work unpaid for one year as president while the board searches for a permanent replacement. The outgoing president, who was in support of the plan, will serve as a consultant to Kelly through the end of the calendar year. The current board chair will step down and will be replaced by another board member.