[hoser]

Not sure how you define "big time", but MANY pros aren't affiliated with the AFM at all.

In most cases the band is payed a lump sum and the pay for each musician is determined by internal band policy.

yup, and if you're hired by a band, your pay is worked out with them, not promoters. most times, union wages and the like come into play when doing stuff for organizations like the cbc.