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.
June 26, 2024
IM -The Music and Musicians Tax Credit and Jobs Act was signed into law on June 5 in the Illinois General Assembly. The legislation is cosponsored by Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL) and will provide $2 million in tax credits to qualifying music companies in the state that record soundtracks and employ local musicians. The bill was advanced by violist and Illinois state Representative Sharon Chung (member of Local 10-208) and Senator Sara Feigenholtz.
The bill’s provisions, such as the establishment of a 10% tax credit for companies engaged in music production, recording, and theater infrastructure projects, aim to incentivize investment in the state’s artistic sectors. There is additional credit for employing Illinois composers and music programs in underrepresented communities.
Supporters say the bill’s emphasis on utilizing unionized labor for theater infrastructure projects aligns with the state’s commitment to fair wages and workforce development.
One AFM member posted on social media, “By supporting projects that employ Illinois union musicians, composers, stage and sound hands, and tradespeople at a prevailing wage, we can ensure that our music industry remains strong and sustainable.”
Local 10-208 members came out to promote the bill by campaigning and petitioning local legislators. “We worked closely with Zach Koutsky and Michael Morthland of Mercury Public Strategy,” says BJ Levy, president of Local 10-208. Morthland is an attorney and bassoon performance graduate from the University of Illinois who was a major supporter of the bill. “Their lobbying effort and their professional services were absolutely essential,” says Levy.