President’s Message

With the 103rd AFM Convention approaching this June, our recent International Executive Board (IEB) meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was a very productive week of hard work and tough decisions. The board focused on strengthening our union’s structure and ensuring that all areas of our membership are heard and represented in the decisions that shape our future.

Recognizing the Freelance Musicians Association

The defining moment of this meeting was the board’s unanimous decision to grant player conference status to the Freelance Musicians Association (FMA), which entitles it to representation at the AFM Convention in June.

I am excited to announce this decision, as it becomes a milestone for a significant portion of our membership. Freelance musicians are the backbone of our Federation. They are the professionals who keep local music scenes alive, whether whether gigging in clubs, teaching the next generation of musicians, or performing with a variety of ensembles throughout their communities. However, the freelance community often lacks the centralized structure of a major symphony or a long-running theatrical production, which can make organizing and representation difficult.

The FMA has evolved from humble beginnings as a small grassroots movement of passionate freelancers into a vibrant, binational body of working musicians from dozens of locals, dedicated to strengthening the economic security, professional standing, and collective power of those in self-directed and multi-employer work.

In collaboration with Federation leadership, AFM locals, and allied organizations, the FMA expands access to resources, promotes equitable standards across nontraditional and emerging areas of work, and supports organizing efforts that address the specific needs of freelance careers—including live performance, recording, and touring.

The FMA now joins the ranks of the AFM’s established player conferences: the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM), the Regional Orchestra Players Association (ROPA), the Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians (OCSM), the Recording Musicians Association (RMA), and the Theatre Musicians’ Association (TMA). For more information on the FMA and its mission, I encourage you to visit www.afmfreelance.org.

AFM Convention Preparation

During the April meeting, the IEB spent considerable time drafting Recommendations for the 103rd AFM Convention. These proposals are the result of careful analysis of the current state of the industry and the internal needs of our Federation.

Our union’s strength depends on an open and active democratic process, so our goal is to provide delegates with the information they need to make decisions that benefit the entire membership. I urge all members and delegates to review the proposed Recommendations and Resolutions on page 18. These bylaw changes are essential for anyone who wants to see our union thrive. Your review ensures your delegates act with the full support and informed consent of the membership.

Strengthening Ties with Local 555 and the Musicians of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico possesses a rich musical culture that is deeply rooted in tradition and finding new growth in its talented musical community. The musical opportunities in Local 555 (San Juan, PR) are diverse, ranging from prestigious orchestral seats to a thriving independent music scene that spans various genres.

While in Puerto Rico, I had the opportunity to engage directly with the local musical community. Accompanied by Director of Symphonic Services Rochelle Skolnick, Director of Organizing Services Gabe Kristal, and Field Organizer Paul Bissember, we attended a rehearsal with the musicians of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico and met many of the members of the Puerto Rico Philharmonic Camerata Orchestra.

Our discussions with these musicians centered on the specific challenges of maintaining professional standards in a unique economic environment. The commitment of the Puerto Rican musicians to their craft and their union remains an inspiration to the entire Federation. We remain dedicated to working alongside Local 555 to guarantee that these world-class musicians receive the support they deserve.

Continuing the Fight for the Sound Recording Labor Agreement Protections

Looking ahead to the rest of May, our focus shifts toward the bargaining table. Negotiations for the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) are ongoing, and we will be returning to meet with the record labels later this month. This agreement is among the most significant for professional recording artists, as it covers the essential terms and conditions under which musicians are hired to produce sound recordings.

The continuing centerpiece of the SRLA negotiations will be addressing the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning. We are making it a primary goal to secure language regarding consent, compensation, and credit for the use of musicians’ tracks in machine learning models. As technology evolves, our contracts must evolve with it to prevent the unauthorized exploitation of our members’ work. The AFM will continue the fight to ensure that no matter how music is created or distributed, the human musicians behind the notes are fairly compensated and their intellectual property is respected.

The coming months will be a period of intense activity and significant change for the AFM. From the bargaining table with the major labels to the halls of our June convention, our focus remains on protecting the rights, livelihoods, and economic security of professional musicians across the US and Canada. Whether you are a freelance performer in a local club, an orchestral player in San Juan, or a recording artist in a major studio, this Federation stands ready to protect your rights and elevate your profession. I look forward to connecting with our delegates and members in June as we continue this vital work together.

As I write this column, we have concluded the second round of our Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) negotiations. We have made some progress but are still far from an agreement. While things are moving slowly, I am pleased to report the positive impact of rally we held March 11 in Times Square. I thank Congressman Jerry Nadler (D-NY) for attending and offering his support. We were able to send a clear message to the major labels that they face a strong and united front. You can read more about the rally on page 8.

Stronger Together: SSD and Organizing Services

This issue of the International Musician turns the spotlight on symphonic musicians and our Symphonic Services Division (SSD). This is an area where we have seen some strong organizing campaigns. While symphony orchestras are already among the most highly organized institutions in North America, we are making new strides with smaller groups, summer festival orchestras, and music teachers. Many symphony musicians supplement their income by working as music teachers as well as performing and teaching at summer music festivals. They deserve the protections and fair pay provided by collective agreements in these positions as well.

The AFM SSD and Organizing Services Department are actively working with and supporting musicians of the True Concord Voices and Orchestra, members of Local 33 (Tucson, AZ). We are waiting for management to recognize the union but have achieved over 75% of musicians in support of organizing.

The AFM is working with Local 380-443 (Binghamton-Oneonta, NY) and musicians of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, who have signed union cards. Musicians of the Vista Philharmonic at Groton Hill Music Center, who won an election to be represented by Local 173-300 (Fitchburg, MA) in 2023, are currently negotiating for their first collective bargaining agreement.

We’ve also led successful organizing campaigns with music education institutions at Sistema New Brunswick with Local 815 (Saint John, NB) and Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA) with Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA). The Heart of Los Angeles YOLA site had a National Labor Relations Board election in early December 2025 and won union certification overwhelmingly. Later in the month, the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) certified Local 47 at the YOLA Camino Nuevo site and a new site at Cisneros.

If you are performing in an orchestra, a summer festival, or teaching at an institution without the protections of a collective agreement, reach out to your local or the Organizing Services Department to learn more about how we can support an organizing campaign in your workplace.

A Proactive Partnership

These successes are the result of our Organizing Services Department and SSD working together like never before. By integrating these departments, we are shifting from a reactive model to a proactive one. This partnership provides a Federation-wide support system that reaches musicians across the United States and Canada, ensuring that no local or ensemble has to navigate the complexities of labor relations alone.

The enhanced Organizing Department does more than just sign cards; it empowers musicians. Organizing also works closely with the AFM Education Department to train both locals and musicians on union organization. We are providing musicians with the tools to understand their rights, build internal committees, and develop the collective leverage necessary to secure fair contracts. Whether it is a regional orchestra in Ontario or a freelance ensemble in the Southwest, this collaborative approach ensures that the high standards of the AFM are upheld everywhere.

Expanding Our Field Staff

To support this growth, we are investing heavily in our greatest asset: our staff. With the addition of two new SSD negotiators this month, the division now has five full-time negotiators. You can read about our newest negotiators on page 11. We are also planning to add a part-time, French-speaking SSD negotiator later this year to better serve our francophone members.

We also continue to grow our organizing team by adding a total of four regional organizers this year. These organizers will be on the ground, providing the direct mentorship and strategic education our musicians need to win. To better serve our diverse membership, we have also hired a bilingual Spanish and a bilingual French organizer. By building this infrastructure, we aren’t just growing our numbers—we are strengthening the voice of every musician in the Federation. Look for more information and introductions in the May IM.

March finds our union at a critical crossroads, balancing the intense technical work of contract negotiations with the moral imperative to protect our members’ safety. While our instruments are our primary tools, our collective voice as a union remains our most essential asset during times of industrywide transition and social unrest.

Our core mission of securing the future of our members’ music remains at the forefront. Negotiations for the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SLRA) and the Integrated Media Agreement (IMA) continue strong this month. These contracts are the bedrock of our recording musicians’ careers, and we are committed to securing terms that reflect the true value of your work in a shifting marketplace.

The Grammys was an opportunity to celebrate the year in music and to strategize with industry leaders and policymakers on the year ahead. I spent time with members of Congress including Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) and Linda Sanchez (D-CA). They each bring personal interest and professional expertise that will continue to be important for the AFM’s legislative agenda. We talked about the importance of film and television tax incentives, putting musicians to work here in the United States, and the safeguards needed to protect creators’ rights. I will look for every opportunity to fight for consent, credit, and compensation in AI development.

A Demand for Accountability

Our advocacy for musicians also means advocating for their safety. As a union, our responsibility has always extended beyond the bargaining table. We have a fundamental duty to stand up for the safety and civil liberties of every person in our community. Recent United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations blatantly ignore basic civil rights, injecting fear into the lives of working people—immigrants, legal residents, and US citizens alike. In times of crisis, belonging to a union makes us powerful.

In January, I issued the following statement regarding the escalating violence and federal enforcement actions in Minneapolis:

“The American Federation of Musicians of the US and Canada is outraged and heartbroken by the senseless violence and growing atmosphere of fear gripping the city of Minneapolis. Our hearts go out to the families of Renée Nicole Good, a young mother and poet whose life was tragically cut short, and Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a dedicated nurse and fellow union member who was killed while serving his community. These are not just isolated incidents; they are the devastating consequences of a federal operation that has prioritized aggressive force over residents’ safety and civil liberties. We stand in solidarity with protesters exercising their First Amendment rights to demand justice and transparency. The outcry is not contained to the Twin Cities—throughout the entire country, Americans are peacefully and powerfully demanding an end to this chaos. The AFM joins the broader labor movement and local leaders in demanding a comprehensive and transparent investigation ... to ensure full accountability.”

We can see the ripple effects of this fear across our entire Federation. In Los Angeles, Local 47 member Beth Elliott, founder of the Kadima Conservatory of Music, shared heartbreaking stories of how ICE operations are dismantling the lives of young musicians. Elliott has seen 11-year-old scholarship students—prodigies who should be focused on their craft—forced to miss lessons because their parents are “laying low” to avoid being detained. When a child is afraid to go to a violin lesson, the fabric of our society is being torn. We must continue to demand transparency and an end to the chaos that puts our neighbors and colleagues at risk. Together, we provide a strong voice for those being silenced by intimidation.

In these dark times, music remains our most potent tool for healing. I am profoundly heartened by the resilience shown by our Local 30-73 (St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN) community. In the face of tragedy, our musicians have turned to their instruments to provide the city with a sanctuary. I am particularly moved by the poignant response to the tragedy by the Minnesota Orchestra, which revised its programming to open with Mahler’s Adagietto from Symphony No. 5—a somber and beautiful musical memorial for Pretti and Good. By replacing a lighter piece with this profound meditation, the orchestra offered a space to mourn and seek hope amidst the darkness. This follows their “Music and Healing” initiative, which explores how performance can help a community process trauma and find resilience.

Defending Artistic Expression

ICE operations aren’t just an immigration issue. This militarized presence near cultural and entertainment spaces stifles creativity and free expression. We saw the effect of political pressure and government intimidation earlier this year in the pulling of programs like Jimmy Kimmel Live. We stand with our fellow entertainment unions—SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and the WGA—disavowing government interference in our industries.

The musicians of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra (KCOHO) and National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) are faced with tremendous uncertainty. The announced two-year temporary closing of the Kennedy Center has generated more questions than answers. (See article on page 3.) Regardless of what happens between now and July 4, the AFM will use all available resources to ensure the Kennedy Center honors its obligations to the KCOHO and NSO. I remain in regular contact with Local 161-710 (Washington, DC) President Ed Malaga to understand how our union can best support our members.

Pernambuco Update

Amidst these challenges to our artistic spaces, we have a significant victory to share regarding Pernambuco wood. This victory came together because the music community—including the League of American Orchestras, the AFM, instrument makers, and individual musicians—stood together as one.

By educating government officials on the distinction between the commercial timber trade and the finished bows that are the essential tools of our trade, we secured a workable compromise. The updates ensure that, while we support the conservation of the Brazilian rainforest, musicians can continue to travel and perform internationally without fear of their equipment being seized or held in bureaucratic limbo. This proves that when we speak with a unified voice, we can protect the heritage and the future of our craft. Further resources on these changes will be coming in the April IM.

The strength of a union is measured not just by the contracts we sign, but by the protection we offer our members when their livelihoods and safety are threatened. We will continue to fight for a world where our members can live, work, and create without fear. Our music is our voice, and right now, that voice must be used to demand peace and protection for all.

Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) negotiations began in Los Angeles on January 13-15. I am pleased to report that we had a very strong and focused beginning. These negotiations are being conducted with a level of preparation that reflects the high stakes of the modern recording industry.

It’s no secret that our number one priority is to prevent the unauthorized use of our tracks for machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). This is not a distant threat; it is a current reality. Alongside securing sustainable, accessible health care for those in the sound recording field, AI protection is the primary engine driving our proposals. We are documenting exactly how our creative output is being harvested. We are not just negotiating for the next few years; we are building the legal and economic guardrails that will protect the human element of music for decades to come.

SLRA negotiations will resume again in March. Our strategy will remain data-driven and fueled by a comprehensive effort to gather every shred of evidence on how our members’ work is being used in the digital age. We aren’t just arguing from a place of sentiment, but we are arguing from a place of fact. We are analyzing the flow of content and the economic realities of the recording studio to ensure our demands are backed by undeniable proof of the value musicians bring to the table.

I am incredibly proud of the “all hands on deck” team we’ve assembled for this fight. This group is a powerhouse of expertise, including our dedicated in-house legal team and general counsel, our directors of the Electronic Media Services Division and Government Affairs, and specialist advisors with deep technical knowledge. Most importantly, this team is balanced by the presence of local officers and rank-and-file representation. Bringing the voices of the musicians—the people who work in studios and on stage—to the table ensures that the reality of the work remains the heart of our demands.

The Power of the Contract: Our Shield in the AI Age

There is a direct and unbreakable link between our success at the bargaining table and the discipline we show as a collective in the field. I want to speak directly to our independent artists and those working with indie labels. Often, I hear the call to “organize the indies.” However, the landscape of independent music is unique. Because many indie labels operate as distributors or facilitators rather than traditional employers, the power—and the responsibility—often rests with the individual artist to protect their own future.

The AFM has specialized agreements designed to accommodate this type of work. These aren’t “old world” contracts; they are modern tools meant to provide a safety net in an increasingly precarious industry. I want to be clear: filing an AFM contract is not a bureaucratic hurdle. It is your strongest shield.

However, the truth is, we cannot protect what we cannot track. Filing an AFM contract is the only way to ensure:

•Intellectual Property Protection: Without a formal contract on file, it becomes nearly impossible for the Federation to track your material across digital platforms. We need that paper trail to prove ownership and to prevent your work from being fed into machine learning models without your consent or compensation.

•Health Care and Pension Eligibility: These benefits are the bedrock of a long-term career. They are not granted by the goodwill of the industry; they are earned through the filing of contracts that document your work and trigger the contributions you are owed.

I urge every member to view the simple act of filing your contracts as an act of solidarity. When you file, you are strengthening the data pool we use to fight the major labels. You are proving the volume and value of our collective work. To win big in the SRLA negotiations, we must show the industry that we are an organized, disciplined body that recognizes the value of its own work and knows how to protect it.

When we return to the bargaining table in March, our unity—and our shared commitment to union contracts—remain our greatest assets. Together, we are ensuring that music remains human.

Welcoming New Leadership

I want to acknowledge the arrival of new leadership and energy following general elections across the Federation. It is an inspiring time for our union, as many locals have seen a transition in leadership that reflects the changing needs of our membership. At Local 802 (New York City), we welcome President Dan Point and Recording Vice President Sarah Haines, who join continuing Financial Vice President Karen Fisher. Across the country at Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), we welcome President Mark Sazer and Vice President John Acosta, along with returning Secretary-Treasurer Gail Kruvand.

The voices of these two major markets are significant and essential components of our Federation. Their leadership, combined with the energy of new and returning officers in locals of all sizes across the country, creates a powerful, unified front. While we highlight the major hubs, we do so with the understanding that every local—from Nashville to Toronto to Chicago—is a vital part of the Federation’s backbone.

I also want to extend my deep gratitude to outgoing Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe for her years of dedicated service to the local and her vital work as a trustee to the AFM and Employers Pension Fund (AFM-EPF). Her commitment to the pension fund and the well-being of our members has left a lasting mark.

Looking Ahead: The 103rd AFM Convention

Finally, as we look toward the future of our Federation, the 103rd AFM Convention is on the horizon—June 20-23, in the beautiful capital city of Ottawa, Ontario. This marks our first convention in Canada in over 50 years, and it will be a pivotal moment to deliberate on the challenges of the AI era and to solidify our shared vision.

I encourage all officers and delegates to keep an eye out for formal notices and detailed information. For those planning to attend, now is the time to ensure your passports are up to date for travel to Canada. You can find the latest convention news at www.afm.org/103rd-afm-convention.

As we usher in the promise of a new year, it’s a moment of reflection and tremendous optimism. The AFM is not just holding steady; we are growing, evolving, and most importantly, organizing. Our success in 2025 has laid the foundation for the future, and I want to share the progress we’ve made together and the strategic steps we are taking to ensure our influence reaches every corner of the Federation.

This coming year will also be marked by a momentous event in our union’s history: the 103rd AFM Convention to be held in Ottawa, Canada, this June (more information can be found on page 21). This will be our first convention held in Canada since 1973, and it offers a pivotal opportunity to meet, deliberate, and solidify our shared vision for a stronger North American Federation.

A Year of Organizing Momentum

Our ability to organize and fight for better wages and working conditions is stronger than ever before. The rollout of our new officer training programs has been overwhelmingly successful. We are seeing a dramatic increase in engagement with freelance and independent musicians, who are stepping up to help define the future of the union. Every local that has participated in our training has responded enthusiastically and established local Freelance Organizing Committees.

AFM Director of Organizing Gabe Kristal has followed up with dozens of locals, strategically prioritizing and assisting locals who demonstrate initiative to grow. This systematic approach is already yielding landmark victories.

Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) has filed for recognition for three distinct bargaining units with Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (see article on page 10). Similarly, strong majorities are in place at the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, with filing for recognition with Local 380-443 (Twin Tiers, NY) imminent. Beyond these, we are actively building committees in at least a half-dozen other bargaining units, all poised to go public very soon.

In the freelance sector, the momentum is also undeniable. We continue to advise the Freelance Musicians Association. Our work with local unions to establish Freelance Local Organizing Committees is creating the critical mass necessary to collaborate with Fair Trade Music and achieve enforceable local standards for all gigging musicians. This is how we bring dignity and stability to the lives of working musicians.

The Strategic Investment in Our Future

At the December International Executive Board meeting, we recognized that, to sustain this growth, we must bring our organizing expertise closer to our members. I am proud to announce the creation of a new regional organizing structure at the international level. These regional roles will drive our growth across all sectors by providing specialized expertise and targeted support to locals and community initiatives.

•Western Region: To build on our existing momentum, we’ve already hired Ed Gutierrez as assistant director of organizing in the Western Office. He will also augment this region as a dedicated West Coast organizer.

•Eastern Region: The recent victories at Vista Philharmonic, Media Theater, and Arden Theatre Company, alongside active symphonic campaigns, demonstrate the necessity of having an organizer permanently stationed in this vital region.

•Southern Region: The Latin music scene is one of the most active live performance sectors, and this role will allow us to organize effectively within this dynamic community. With vibrant activity in Puerto Rico, Florida, and Texas, to name a few, we intend to hire a Spanish-speaking organizer.

•Midwestern Region: Following the officer training at the Midwest Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, this summer, the demand for organizing assistance has been overwhelming. While some larger locals like Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL) have staff organizers, many smaller locals need guidance and hands-on assistance—the regional organizer will provide just that.

•Canadian: Following inspiring discussions at the Canadian Conference, the potential for organizing independent and freelance musicians in Canada is massive. A dedicated Canadian organizer is essential to advocate for agreements for regional music festivals and to advance the rights of Canadian musicians wishing to work across the border.

This is a deliberate and strategic investment that will transform how we grow. To staff this vital initiative, we are actively looking to hire four new international representatives/field organizers. You can find the job posting for these positions on page 32 of this issue. We encourage qualified, energetic individuals to apply and join us in this exciting chapter of the AFM’s history.

While the Federation is making this significant investment in regional growth, the ultimate strength of our Federation lies in the locals. I encourage locals to follow suit and hire their own organizers. The greater your local organizing presence, the greater your influence and potential for growth.

We understand that funding is often the primary constraint. That is why I want to draw your attention to a critical resource: Freelance Co-funding. Freelance Co-funding can directly assist locals in developing and maintaining programs beneficial to freelance musicians and remove financial limitations on vital organizing movements. (More information can be found in the article on page 12.)

During 2026, we will capitalize on the momentum we built in 2025. We begin the year by charting our course, and we will spend the rest of the year deepening our roots through regional organizing and local action. By working together—the Federation supporting the locals, and the locals engaging their members—we will continue to grow, secure landmark contracts, and create a sustainable, prosperous future for all professional musicians. Let’s make some noise in the new year!