Local and Federation sponsored booking/referral services:
Local 104 assists potential live music purchasers in the 104 area to find the right artist or group for their party, wedding, festival, corporate function or any other event that requires live music. In addition, the AFM provides an international on-line referral service (free of charge to all members and potential purchasers) that is quickly becoming one of the largest Internet resources of its kind.
Signatory Booking Agents:
The AFM maintains an on-line list of franchised booking agents for the US and Canada. It is also available in booklet form by contacting Local 104 or the AFM. These agents are signatories to the AFM’s Booking Agent Agreement which sets standards for legally enforceable contracts specifying negotiated fees, working conditions, and commissions.
Exclusive Member Services:
AFM GoPro Music – Your Single Source For Live Music
AFM GoPro Lessons – Learn From a Pro – Play Like a Pro
AFM GoPro Hosting – Professional Web Hosting Services
Immigration Assistance:
The AFM is an international union representing professional musicians in both the United States and Canada. On behalf of its members who accept gigs across the border, the Federation works with the governments of both countries to cut through the hassle of “red tape” usually associated with obtaining work visas in either location. This assistance is available for both US and Canadian musicians. There are specialized Canadian and US forms, both formats conform to the laws of the individual countries, are easy to complete, and provide comprehensive legal protection for either single engagement or touring dates.
Claims on Default:
In the event a purchaser defaults on payment to members for a contracted engagement, Local 104 and/or the AFM will work to resolve the dispute between the parties administratively. Should this prove unsuccessful, Local 104 will pay members scale wages for the engagement and the Local and/or Federation will pursue the claim through a variety of legal methods.
Pension Fund: Members have the option of having the employer make contributions to the Pension fund of up to 15% of wages paid on their behalf. Please contact the office for more information.
Negotiated Agreements:
International, national and local agreements covering all types of musical work ensure fair and timely payments as well as benefits and royalties (where applicable) for the reuse and new use of music recorded under these agreements.
Legal Contracts:
A signed AFM contract offers you protection for individual engagements, steady engagements, and traveling work. The AFM has a standard form contract that all members are entitled to use. It contains the AFM seal and when properly filled out and filed with the Local, it allows the local officer to help collect payments in the case of a default. Forms are available for download from the AFM’s website, or at our office.
A.F.M. Mastercard:
The A.F.M. Mastercard offers special rates, travel insurance benefits, and a special payment provision.
Legislative Representation:
The AFM is actively involved at the national, state and local levels, advocating and lobbying for legislation that benefits the lives of working musicians including public funding for the arts.
International Musician Free Subscription:
The International Musician is the official journal of the AFM. Published monthly and sent to all members, this informative newspaper delivers articles of current interest to professional musicians, such as educational resources, labour news, as well as audition notices and help wanted ads. The International Musician is also available online, beginning the first of each month, in the private members area of the AFM website. Members may also search online through past issues in the International Musician archives.
Equipment Insurance:
Only you know the value of your instruments and equipment. Just think of the amount of money it would take to replace them. Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance is not enough to protect you from loss, theft, or damage on location. The AFM provides access to an “All-Risk” Musical Instrument and Equipment Insurance Plan. Your instruments and music-related equipment are protected from vandalism, breakage, water, fire, lightning, and theft up to the full replacement value. If you are employed full-time, freelance, work out of your home, or are self-employed, this insurance protects the large investment you’ve made in your equipment.
A Collective Voice:
It is only through the combined efforts of members that Local 104 and the AFM are able to better the position of musicians in our society. As a collective unit, we not only have a strong voice in collective bargaining and government lobbying, but anywhere that musicians work. As a member, you will have a voice in deciding our collective future.
WHY JOIN???
The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada exists for one purpose only: to represent you. Unlike corporations or agencies, we have no bottom line. We do not answer to shareholders. We do not seek new members to make a profit (after all, we are a non-profit organization). We do not use musicians for some financial gain.We exist because musicians need help: lots of it. Musicians are always meeting with employers that seek to short-change them. Our job is to make sure that you get the best possible deal in your workplace.
Here are some of the benefits of joining the AFM:
Recording and Broadcast Dollars
Our members get serious dough for the recording and broadcasting of their music. Want to know what you’re missing? Play the AFM Recording Games and then contact EMSD:
• The Motion Picture/Jingle Game
• The Videotape/Live TV Game
We’ve Got your Pets Covered
Need money? A credit card? Pet insurance? AFM members take advantage of the AFL-CIO Union Privilege Program, which provides special loan rates, credit cards, legal services, and, yes, pet insurance! Job Protection–Tired of being treated like a second-class citizen by your employer? Join us. The AFM routinely fights employers that mistreat musicians. We have a staff dedicated to one thing only: protecting you and your job.Gigs, Gigs, Gigs!
The AFM has the industry’s best-kept secret: the Music Performance Trust Fund. Curious? Go to the MPTF website to learn more.
Also, locals often participate in the AFM’s referral and booking program. This program provides employers with your contact information when gigs arise.
AFM members get a discount for using www.BookLiveMusic.com, the premier website connecting musicians with gigs.
Finally, by meeting and networking with other musicians in the AFM, you can increase your contacts and opportunities for employment.
FREE Subscription to INTERNATIONAL MUSICIAN
Tired of reading music? Take a break and relax your eyes with a copy of the AFM’s award-winning monthly magazine. International Musician is loaded with audition ads and career advice.
Insurance
Break a tuba? Break a leg? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. View insurance plan.
Pension
One day you’ll want to retire. We’ll be there. AFM musicians are eligible to participate in AFM pension funds. The AFM Employers’ Pension Welfare Funds are among the most secure pension plans in the entertainment industry. They offer normal and early retirement, death, and disability payments.
Not enough? Then call us already! Tell us what we can do for you.
Contact:
Sharon Tonge, Membership Benefits Coordinator
E-mail – stonge@afm.org
Phone – (212) 869-1330 ext 214
Sahid Fawaz, Managing Director/Assistant to the President
E-mail – sfawaz@afm.org
Phone – (212) 869-1330 ext 229
JOIN LOCAL 104 NOW!