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.
August 28, 2025
The rules for international travel and trade with musical instruments that contain natural materials protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) are being reconsidered in November 2025. The League will attend as the 185 global parties to the CITES treaty meet at the 20th Conference of […]
August 28, 2025
During a “Musicians & Generative AI: How the Musicians’ Union Is Working to Protect Your Livelihood” meeting, hosted by Local 802 (New York City), the AFM reaffirmed its dedication to protecting musicians’ work from the growing threat of artificial intelligence (AI). The July Zoom event, moderated by Local 802 Recording Vice President Dan Point, attracted […]
August 21, 2025
In a major victory for Nashville’s working musicians and Local 257 (Nashville, TN), Metropolis Parking is now offering free parking at 25 parking lots across the city for Local 257 members and musicians playing at Music Venue Alliance Nashville (MVAN) clubs. Local 257 has been working with Metropolis Parking since 2017 to provide discounts for […]
August 1, 2025
As we watch the dismantling of the US federal government by the current administration, it can be hard to know where to focus. This administration’s “flood the zone” approach has made it challenging—intentionally—to track the hundreds of changes, much less to estimate the impact of each on our individual lives. “Attacks on the National Labor […]
August 1, 2025
When the Eastern Music Festival (EMF) management canceled the 2025 season in February, citing an inability to reach an agreement with the musicians, the musicians responded with their own concert and rally. The June 30 concert and rally was standing room only, with more than 600 people in attendance and approximately 4,000 people watching the […]
July 28, 2025
The recording industry’s Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) distributed $193,000 in grants to support admission-free, live concerts in recognition of Juneteenth National Independence Day. “Music is the soundtrack of history, and the music created and performed through the African American experience is a vital and essential part of our country’s legacy,” says MPTF Trustee Dan […]
June 1, 2025
In a boost for music jobs across New York State, scoring work for the television and film industry will now be considered a “qualified cost” under the New York State Film Production Tax Credit program. Prior to 2010, New York and Los Angeles served as primary hubs for film scoring. Advances in technology facilitated a […]
June 1, 2025
Representatives from the AFM’s Canadian Office attended Canada’s biggest music awards this spring. JUNO Award week, celebrating Canada’s largest annual music event, was held in Vancouver, British Columbia, March 27-30. Canadian Office Executive Director Liana White and AFM International Executive Board Member and Local 149 (Toronto, ON) Executive Director Dusty Kelly represented the union at […]
June 1, 2025
On April 29, the AFM lost a treasured leader, William “Bill” Moriarity, who served as Local 802 (New York City) president for 10 years, 1993-2003. A true servant leader, Moriarity once said in an interview that he does not call himself a leader, rather, “I call myself an officer. I try to let the rank-and-file […]
June 1, 2025
Iconic crooner Johnny Mathis has announced his retirement ahead of his 90th birthday. The singer, known for his velvety voice and elegant ballads, gave a farewell concert on May 18 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey. Throughout his 70-year career, Mathis has supported union musicians and hired full orchestras for all […]