Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.
As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.
The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.
Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.
December 1, 2025
Contributed by the Orchestra Committees of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera Orchestra Since the leadership changes at The Kennedy Center that occurred in February, uncertainty has surrounded everyone who calls it home, including but not limited to members of the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) and the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra/Washington […]
Read MoreDecember 1, 2025
There’s an old saying that age is no substitute for experience. For trumpet player Will Leathers of Local 257 (Nashville, TN), a more appropriate saying might be that it’s not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts. A Mississauga, Ontario, native, Leathers is currently principal trumpet in both the Nashville […]
Read MoreDecember 1, 2025
Whether you’re staring at a computer screen all day or reading music under harsh stage lights, your eyes may begin to feel gritty and dry. People who spend hours at a computer screen blink less often and are more susceptible to dry eye. Optimally, we should blink about 15 times a minute or every four […]
Read MoreNovember 30, 2025
For the labor movement and for people of all stripes, 2025 has been fraught with historic challenges. Workers across both the US and Canada have demonstrated resilience and strength in the face of unprecedented attacks on labor. Despite challenges, the AFM and other unions celebrated remarkable wins in 2025. Among the AFM’s biggest 2025 priorities […]
Read MoreNovember 30, 2025
The International Labor Communications Association (ILCA) announced its annual labor communications contest winners for 2024 entries. The largest competition exclusively for labor journalists and communicators, the awards recognize excellence among union publications, websites, video, and other media from across North America. This year’s ILCA competition brought in approximately 750 entries from across the United States […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2025
Danielle Lee Hutchison of Local 802 (New York City) says she has always loved a good story. Indeed, it’s one of the reasons she decided to pursue a career in musical theater. As keyboardist and music director for the national tour of the Broadway musical Suffs, Hutchison—who goes by the professional name of Dani Lee […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2025
AFM Director of Organizing Gabe Kristal visited Local 555 (San Juan, PR) in October to lead the inaugural “Play Your Part” training and education sessions for freelance musicians. The joint Freelance Services and Organizing Department program focuses on specific ways musicians can fight for their rights and highlights the benefits of joining the AFM. Based […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2025
Jordan DavisSound Recording Labor Agreement With big-name features and a nod to his roots, critics say singer-songwriter Jordan Davis’ Learn the Hard Way proves he’s not just staying in the game, he’s evolving with purpose. The writing of “Good Gone Bad” was a pivotal moment in his creative process, Davis says. A track that features […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2025
The working life of musicians is loud! Cutting-edge audio produces high-quality sound, but even if the result is great music, it’s still occupational noise exposure. Whether it’s an orchestra, jazz ensemble, or marching band, everything is cranked up. The added decibel (dB) quotient takes a deafening neurological toll—and the risk goes up with volume and […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2025
Angel Wang, Claudio Vena, and the Phoenix OrchestraLimited Pressing Agreement Violinist Angel Wang of Local 149 (Toronto, ON) and chamber ensemble Phoenix Orchestra celebrate the convergence of Chinese and Western music on their debut project, Phoenix Rising. The beloved “Butterfly Lovers’ Concerto” is arranged here by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang, who originally composed the […]
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