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.

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Member Profiles

Gary Kreller: Canadian Accordionist Plays It Forward

Gary Kreller happened to see a Facebook post about a 10-year-old musician in need of an accordion. Kyrylo Kisten had to leave his accordion behind when he fled Ukraine with his mother in March. Kreller, of Local 226 (Kitchener, ON), didn’t hesitate to offer one of his, especially after he clicked on the YouTube link […]


Isabelle Chapuis: The Perfect Life of a Flutist

Isabelle Chapuis of Local 6 (San Francisco, CA) says it’s important to have multiple perspectives to fully embrace the repertoire.


Patrick Varriale: A Legacy of Dedication to Electronic Media Services

We tragically said goodbye to AFM Electronic Media Services Director Patrick Varriale who died suddenly on May 13. If you knew Pat Varriale, you knew of his deep love and dedication to the AFM, its member musicians, and his colleagues. He never missed an opportunity to recognize those who worked with him and looked out […]


Houston Brass-Playing Couple Share a Life in Music


Theresa Hanebury and Nancy Goodearl of Local 65-699 (Houston, TX) When two of Houston’s busiest brass players, who also happen to be a couple, want to share some downtime together, it can sometimes require comparing calendars. It’s a scenario that will be familiar to just about every musician couple anywhere. Nancy Goodearl, a horn player […]




Reed Doubler Finds Calling as Teacher and Musical Theater Advocate

As a professional musician, educator, and secretary-treasurer of the DC-Baltimore Chapter of the Theatre Musicians Association (TMA), Brian Butler of Local 161-710 (Washington, DC) has made it his mission to create a generation of music lovers. Butler’s training on clarinet began at age 9, quickly followed by turns in band on sax and flute. He […]


Juliana Athayde: Rochester Philharmonic Concertmaster Brings New Concerto to Life

Premiering a new piece of music, as with any new work of art, is an awesome responsibility involving creativity and imagination—and sheer hard work. This month, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) Concertmaster Juliana Athayde of Local 66 (Rochester, NY) gave the world premiere of a new violin concerto by acclaimed Grammy-winning composer Roberto Sierra, who recently […]


Violist Wendy Richman Expands Her Experiences Through Contemporary Music

Violist Wendy Richman of Locals 802 (New York City) and 47 (Los Angeles, CA) has made contemporary music her main focus on both coasts.


The Reddcoats Are Coming: Industry Veterans Form Supergroup


The Reddcoats is a young band made up of veteran musicians: Matt Bissonette, Gregg Bissonette, Wally Minko, Andy Timmons, and Mike Medina. Collectively, they’ve logged thousands of hours touring and recording with industry icons. They share years of mutual admiration and bring an incredible depth of experience to their music.




Horn Player Tackles Diversity and Equity

Michiko Singh of Local 190 (Winnipeg, MB), a member WSO’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) committee, says that by reaching out to the community the orchestra is able to develop fresh ideas to bring people into the hall.


John Lofton: Approaching Diversity from Both Ends


Considering how to increase diversity in North America’s orchestras often leads to a chicken-versus-egg dilemma: Tackle it from the top down with recruitment in conservatories and colleges? Or is it best addressed from the bottom up, investing in and improving grade school music programs in underserved areas? Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member John Lofton, […]










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