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.
August 1, 2018
IM -In early June, the New York City Ballet Orchestra ratified a three-year contract that is retroactive to September 1, 2017 and runs through August 2020.
The contract provides pay increases of 2.5% each year and maintains season length at 24 weeks, with four additional paid weeks off. Orchestra size remains at 63 contract musicians, as well as three part-time rotating musicians. The ballet’s musicians are represented by Local 802 (New York City).
Numerous changes were made to audition language, including defining the composition of the committee for section violin auditions; terms under which a musician may withdraw from an audition committee; terms allowing a musician to be appointed without audition; establishing secret ballots for all rounds while allowing for discussion; and defining when and how audition trials may occur.