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.
February 1, 2025
Recently, Local 77 (Philadelphia, PA) announced an initiative to recognize the charter of former Local 274, which was founded by Black jazz musicians in 1935. The local thrived in Philadelphia until 1971, when it lost its charter for refusing to merge with Local 77. Aside from its work of ensuring all musicians are treated equally […]
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2025
Before he’d hit the tender age of 20, bassist Ralphe Armstrong of Local 5 (Detroit, MI) already had an enviable touring and recording resumé. His subsequent career has featured collaborations with a laundry list of household names in jazz, funk, and hip-hop. And he says he couldn’t have done any of this without the backing […]
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2025
Given the heart’s unremitting workload—it beats about 2.5 billion times over the average lifetime—it’s a wonder it performs so well, for so long. Like a finely tuned instrument, you will continue to get perfect sound as long as it’s taken care of and protected. But it can also fail, brought down by a poor diet […]
Read MoreJanuary 30, 2025
The tragic Palisades and Eaton fires are the most destructive to ever hit Los Angeles County. Dozens of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) members have lost their homes and musical instruments. Many home studios, recordings, rare collections, and music memorabilia have been completely destroyed. Through Local 47’s Musicians Relief Fund, members in need have been able […]
Read MoreJanuary 30, 2025
Many professional bows are made of Pernambuco wood from the threatened Pernambuco tree native to the Atlantic forests in Brazil. The AFM, in collaboration with League of American Orchestras and other organizations has created a “Know Your Bow” campaign to help bow owners document basic facts about the wood used in their bows, be informed […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2025
by Rasteen Karami, FMSMF Manager of Community Relations As we enter 2025, the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) reflects back on a great first year under its new leadership team. FMSMF is now led by Executive Director Brian Sickles, who previously served as chief operating officer for three years. Mike Hoffmann, our newest addition, […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2025
Trying to nail down an interview with legendary jazz trumpeter Randy Brecker of Local 802 (New York City) is challenging. At just shy of 80 years old, Brecker still traverses the globe at an exhausting pace. This month alone, Brecker has concert dates in New York at Dizzy’s with his quintet, and concerts in Germany, […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2025
AFM Recording Agreements Can Protect Your Work AFM member recordings are covered under a variety of sound recording agreements, all designed to protect your work and the work of the musicians you hire. Taking into consideration the scope of your work and its intended use is key. You should always contact your local if you […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2025
Working musicians’ craft is about art and passion, but it’s also a livelihood. Protecting that livelihood requires smart business decisions. From cherished instruments to liability exposure, insurance is a vital safeguard. Through Federation partnerships over the years with group insurance entities, members have accessed a variety of insurance solutions tailored specifically to musicians. To continue […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2025
Finding success as an independent musician often requires more than a high level of musical proficiency and a professional working demeanor. As most freelance musicians already know, you’re a small business and quite a bit of work is required outside of your performance. Here are a few things to think about, as well as some […]
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