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 3, 2014
IM -The AFM has developed a new agreement in collaboration with Microsoft Corporation covering professional musicians employed in the making of video game soundtracks. The new agreement, which extends through December 2016, is effective immediately and is the result of discussions between the AFM and Microsoft that began early last year.
“We are pleased that one of the world’s leading publishers of video games has endorsed our new game agreement,” said AFM International President Ray Hair. “We enjoyed working on the agreement with the Microsoft team and we are happy that our members will be afforded better wages and additional use protections when recording soundtracks for Microsoft and other video game publishers.”
“The talent and artistry of the AFM is truly world class, and we are thrilled with the opportunity to continue to create award-winning music together,” said Paul Lipson, Microsoft Studios senior audio director. “Our partnership collaboration with the AFM has remained strong over the years, and this new agreement reflects the collaborative spirit and positive communication we enjoy with the AFM leadership and its members.”
The new AFM Video Game Agreement replaces all previous agreements promulgated over the last several years. It contains new provisions that permit game publishers to use tracks recorded for a particular video game across all platforms applicable to a game franchise or series. The agreement will be submitted to AFM members engaged in recording game soundtracks for approval, a process that is expected to conclude in 60 days.