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 27th, 2026 — The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada will never endorse a trade agreement that threatens Canadian sovereignty. The AFM supports the Canadian government’s sensible decision to suspend trade negotiations with the United States. Ensuring union members can safely and efficiently work across North America remains our top priority. We continue to pursue […]
Read MoreToday (August 25th), the entire community of professional musicians mourns the loss of an irreplaceable icon and a generous heart: Dolly Parton. While the world knows her as a global superstar and philanthropist, we at the American Federation of Musicians of the US & Canada and Local 257 (Nashville Musicians Association) knew her as a […]
Read MoreThe Department of Commerce has published a request for comment regarding imposing tariffs on “brass-wind instruments and their parts and accessories” along with other steel, aluminum, and copper products. This proposal is the direct result of Conn Selmer closing its Eastlake, Ohio, instrument manufacturing facility. On June 30, Conn Selmer closed the plant that had […]
Read MoreOn June 5, the AFM filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York against Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group, later adding Atlantic Recording Corp. The lawsuit alleges that these recording companies violated their collective bargaining agreement with the AFM, the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA), by […]
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For many, August is synonymous with winding down, stepping away from the daily grind, and taking a well-deserved summer vacation. Many symphonic workplaces enjoy a brief summer hiatus. But for union leadership and player conference delegates and members, summer tells a very different story. While the rest of the world slows its pace, our player […]
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The 103rd Convention has spoken and set the Federation stage for the next three years. I’m looking forward to working with the 2026 iteration of the International Executive Board. As of August 1, Karen Suarez Flint, secretary-treasurer of Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL), will be joining as the Federation’s next international vice president, replacing Dave Pomeroy, […]
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