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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AFM Builds International Solidarity

Tino Gagliardi Photo

If we have learned anything over the past few years it is the importance of building solidarity and alliances both nationally and internationally. In today’s interconnected world, the music industry transcends borders. Musicians tour globally, collaborate internationally, and can easily reach fans around the world. We look to organizations like the International Federation of Musicians […]

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A Couple of Things

Ken Shirk Photo

Musical Equipment Insurance Program Update In February, I gave an update on the search for a replacement carrier for the AFM’s instrument insurance program. AIG/New Hampshire, the previous carrier, pulled out of the business at the end of 2023, offering one-year renewals only to those participants whose policy dates fell earlier than December 31, 2023. […]

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This Spring, Focus on Improving Work for Musicians

by Tina Morrison, AFM International Executive Board Member and Local 105 (Spokane, WA) Executive Board Spring is here and for many it feels like a time of renewal. Those of us who live in the northern regions venture cautiously outside, looking for signs of budding leaves, listening to birds’ spring songs, and noticing how the […]

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US Department of Labor Features Black History Month Labor Panel

Alfonso Pollard headshot

On February 28, representatives from several AFL-CIO Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industry Coordinating Committee (AEMI) affiliates engaged in a panel discussion at the US Department of Labor entitled “Making Equity Real: Creating Career Pathways and Good Jobs in the Arts.” Hosted by Julie Su, acting Labor Secretary, and Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, National Endowment for […]

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Visa Updates from the Canadian Office

en français : Du Bureau canadien, le point sur les permis de travail by Liana White, AFM Canadian Office Executive Director We have recently streamlined processing to provide greater transparency on P-2 visa processing, by upgrading our data tracking system. In addition to better tracking, we now provide automated status updates throughout the processing of […]

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Advocating for Musicians Facing Possible Nonrenewal

Rochelle Skolnick Photo

Spring is a time of mostly happy associations for those of us residing in the Northern Hemisphere, as days lengthen, temperatures warm, and green returns to nature’s palette after the dark months of winter. But for some orchestra musicians spring brings with it what I now think of as “termination season,” when letters of nonrenewal […]

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