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.
From the concert hall to the orchestra pit, our symphonic communities are proving this fall that better working conditions are won only through unyielding courage, solidarity, and resilience. This resolve reminds us that whether we push back against cuts, hold the line during negotiations, or face strike authorization votes, our greatest power is our unity. […]
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Decades ago, the AFM was the first one out of the gate to get the ball rolling for affordable musical equipment insurance for professional musicians. Until we got into it, meaningful equipment insurance for working, gigging musicians was simply not available at realistic and affordable prices. Through the AFM’s group membership benefits insurance broker at […]
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When it comes to negotiating with billion-dollar streaming and technology companies that have enormous legal, financial, and technological resources, independent musicians have been out of luck. The imbalance is not one of talent; it is one of leverage. Musicians are forced to accept unreasonable terms or walk away. Musicians may receive only fractions of a […]
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Last month, I referenced the breach-of-contract lawsuit that was filed by the AFM against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Warner Music Group (WMG). The suit alleges the labels violated the Sound Recording Labor Agreement by failing to compensate session musicians following lucrative artificial intelligence (AI) licensing deals, which came on the heels of settlements reached […]
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On September 10, AFM International President Tino Gagliardi sent the following message to all AFM members: The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued new guidance that limits F-1 visa international students Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility. As you may know, many of our employers make use of CPT to hire individuals in the […]
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Musicians join the Federation for many reasons: they believe in equity and advocacy for their profession, they want to be a part of a larger musical community, they find the benefits and services included with membership attractive, or they’re working under a collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the AFM. But what does it really mean […]
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