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.
September 30, 2025
The recording industry’s Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) awarded scholarships to 103 post-secondary students in the US and Canada for the new academic year. This year’s $148,000 in disbursement to Music Family and Music’s Future scholarships, represented less than 3% of the MPTF’s total annual grant distribution but had a great impact on 103 students.
“We are immensely proud to be able to lift up so many qualified students with scholarship support,” says MPTF Marketing Manager Natilyn Hepburn-Beaty. “It is very meaningful to walk alongside these individuals during their higher education journey.”
The organization established its Music Family scholarship to encourage AFM member families to pursue higher education and become leaders in their chosen fields. This year, 73 individuals, representing 51 AFM local unions, will receive supporting grants. The recipients are majoring in a wide range of academic fields, from music performance to nursing.
The MPTF Music’s Future scholarship is providing support this year to 30 individuals pursuing degrees in music performance, music therapy, music education, and conducting. Recipients range from students entering their first year of college to those pursuing graduate degrees, all who intend to continue actively making and sharing music in their professional lives. The scholarship does not require the applicant to be affiliated with an AFM local, however 50% of the recipients are.
In the past five years, MPTF has distributed $830,000 to benefit more than 600 aspiring music professionals and the children of professional musicians. Since its founding in 1948, the organization has distributed approximately $630 million in sponsorship money for free, live performances; streaming concerts; and scholarships.