What are the benefits of joining the AFM (American Federation of Musicians)?
Question by Michelle: What are the benefits of joining the AFM (American Federation of Musicians)?
I recently have been freelancing, and am not a member of the AFM. From time to time I do look at the website because several of my peers are members. I am not sure if the benefits would be worth me joining just yet, but recently with the economy the way it is my main income had stopped since an orchestra is on “hold”, and now all of those musicians are getting jobs at my local orchestra. If you join the AFM, what are the benefits for someone who does some freelancing here and there and are NOT a full-time member of an orchestra? I’m wondering how it would help me find more work – Would it allow you to do job searches?…or will it provide local employers to view me as a possible candidate for work? I’m not sure if the AFM helps you find work, and was wondering how that works. Also, would I join the area closest to me, or the nearest (bigger) city – I noticed the fee for my area closest to me is actually more then the local big-city…?
Not sure if I explained my questions but if anyone who is a classically-trained musician and a part of the AFM tell me the benefits … I seen some benefits listed online, but they seem pretty broad…the referral program (www.GoPro—-.com), is that included or do you have to pay extra? Pension/Health – how does that work? Contracts…how does that work?
Sorry, but I’ve been trying to find jobs myself, which is okay, but I really need more work and is wondering if joining the AFM would help me improve my income. I do not know too much about it, I figured (from what I heard) that it is a union to benefit profession musicians (which I think of are full-time musicians – people who have a permanent position in an orchestra).
Thanks for any help and for reading this!
Best answer:
Answer by lainiebsky
The AFM does not help you find work. You’re eligible for a different set of jobs as a member, but there is absolutely no guarantee that you would get those jobs.
You could try to get hired for some of the union-based jobs and tell the contractor that you are planning to join if you get the work.
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