Now is the Time to Join the AFM
Whether you are already an established artist or in the midst of completing your first creative project, the moment you consider recording or performing in public, you create a product that has value both now and in the future. When you become a member of an AFM Local within Canada you are automatically a member of both The American Federation of Musicians of US and Canada [parent organization], and its distinctly Canadian arm, The Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM). By joining, CFM collectively helps you to minimize the potential threats of exploitation and potential theft of your intellectual property.
During these uncertain times we have made efforts to ensure the financial well-being of all musicians. As part of the music community we need your help in what has become an urgent task. Musicians standing together in one voice sends a powerful message to those that are making decisions that affect our livelihood. As a member, the AFM and CFM will be your voice in the US and Canadian legislative process. We are proactive in legislative action and were instrumental in bringing about Federal and Provincial Status of the Artist, as well as Copyright reform and new payments to musicians from new tariffs such as Neighbouring Rights and the private copying levy. During the COVID-19 crisis we are urging our government to provide appropriate support for musicians that include a waiver of the one-week waiting period for EI benefits (in the case where the musicians are entitled), to expanding the benefit to include freelance workers who provide their services as self-employed contractors, to ensuring that compensation is made available for musicians who have had gigs or tours cancelled for both lost revenue and other expenses, such as the hundreds of dollars, or thousands paid to USCIS as petition fees for P2 visas for US entry. Consideration must be made as well for proper funding to help musicians and symphony/theatre organizations recover, as well as assistance to stimulate and revitalize the industry once the virus has been contained and/or eradicated.
By joining you become part of an illustrious membership that includes Canada’s finest professional musicians performing all styles of music in every type of venue. This legacy helped AFM Canada establish unrivaled working conditions for all members, which will be continued through CFM. From comprehensive instrument, health and liability insurance, to a world-class pension plan, contract protection with emergency travel assistance, free Internet referral postings, access to AFM/CFM-licensed booking agents to keep those gigs coming and more, we demonstrate that as a member-driven organization, we understand the critical benefits you need to further your career and to protect your future.
Specialized departments within CFM and the AFM International also offer members a host of vital services including assistance with immigration, media recordings, symphonic and theatrical matters, touring, freelance musicians and membership services, contract negotiations and administration, and management of royalty streams. In addition, we offer web referrals, as well as three additional sites that provide members with a domain and hosting service, a musical instrument/gear auction site and another for music lessons.
Over the next few months we are offering membership at a reduced cost of $16/month (184/yr).
