Legal Definitions - American Federation of Musicians

The American Federation of Musicians, often abbreviated as AF of M, is a prominent labor union representing professional musicians and related professionals across the United States and Canada. This includes instrumentalists, vocalists, orchestra leaders, composers, arrangers, copyists, and contractors.

The AF of M's primary role is to advocate for its members' rights and interests, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, health benefits, and pension plans. It achieves this by negotiating collective bargaining agreements with various employers in the entertainment industry, such as recording studios, film and television production companies, theaters, symphony orchestras, and live performance venues. These agreements establish minimum pay scales, residuals, and other protections for musicians working on recordings, live performances, and other projects.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of the American Federation of Musicians:

• Example 1: Live Theater Production

  Imagine a new musical opening on Broadway. The producers of the show have a collective bargaining agreement with the AF of M. This agreement dictates the minimum weekly salaries for all the pit orchestra musicians, specifies their rehearsal schedules, performance hours, and ensures they receive health insurance and pension contributions. Because of this union agreement, the musicians are guaranteed a certain level of compensation and benefits, rather than having to negotiate individually, which provides stability and protection for their careers in live theater.

• Example 2: Video Game Soundtrack Recording

  A major video game developer is creating an epic orchestral soundtrack for its upcoming title. When they hire musicians to record the score in a studio, if that studio or the production company has an agreement with the AF of M, they must adhere to the union's established rates for recording sessions. This means the musicians, from violinists to percussionists, are paid a specific hourly or daily rate for their time in the studio, and the agreement also covers any re-recording sessions or additional usage fees if the soundtrack is later released commercially, ensuring fair compensation for their creative contribution to the game.

• Example 3: Touring Concert Band

  Consider a popular jazz ensemble that embarks on a national tour, performing in various concert halls and festivals. If the band members are part of the AF of M, the union can help negotiate contracts with venues and promoters to ensure fair pay for each performance, cover travel expenses, and establish clear terms regarding sound checks, performance lengths, and accommodations. This collective strength allows the musicians to tour with greater financial security and standardized working conditions, rather than facing potentially exploitative terms from individual venues or promoters.