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 the Parties (CoP20) to consider new policy proposals for worldwide implementation. Brazil has introduced a proposal to list Pernambuco at the highest level of protection under CITES, which would require extremely burdensome permit requirements for international travel with bows in use by many musicians, and place very tight restrictions on international sales in existing and new bows.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently inviting public comments to inform the U.S. position. In addition to the comments that will be filed by the League in partnership with the American Federation of Musicians other national organizations, individual orchestras and musicians can write to request U.S. support for a policy solution that will avoid applying a CITES permit requirement every time a musician with a bow travels internationally, while maintaining protects for sustaining trees.
To file comments, stakeholders within the U.S. can go to this Federal Register page and share your thoughts by September 17, 2025. Find essential background in the League’s Pernambuco Policy resource page.