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.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM



Home » Recent News » Painting Appointed AFM Director of Electronic Media Services


Painting Appointed AFM Director of Electronic Media Services

  -  

John K. Painting, AFM Director of the Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD) and Assistant to the President

AFM President Ray Hair has named John K. Painting as AFM Director of the Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD) and Assistant to the President, following the unexpected passing of EMSD Director Pat Varriale in May.

“I have immense respect for John and his thorough knowledge of AFM’s media agreements,” says AFM President Ray Hair. “During John Painting’s tenure as division assistant director, working with Pat Varriale, he demonstrated his ability to tackle and resolve the difficult and complex problems that arise in the rapidly changing world we encounter in the negotiation and administration of electronic media agreements.”

“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead this department into the future,” states Painting. “I look forward to using the skills and relationships I have developed in the past dozen years working in electronic media to help protect the services of and enrich the lives of musicians.”

A graduate of Columbia University, Painting has worked in electronic media since beginning his career at AFM Local 802 (New York City) in 2011. In May 2019, Painting was appointed EMSD Assistant Director, working under former EMSD Director Pat Varriale. Painting has been responsible for administration of the National Public Television Agreement as well as a wide variety of special projects, most notably contracts pertaining to the rapidly-shifting world of Internet streaming since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout his tenure, Painting has been regularly involved on the bargaining team for EMSD contract negotiations, both at the local and Federation level. He has also worked as a liaison with the Organizing & Education Department, assisting in EMSD-related organizing efforts, as well as developing new educational content to better explain EMSD agreements.







NEWS