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.
April 29, 2024
The official provider for .MUSIC domains is now offering priority registration to AFM members to secure .MUSIC domain name(s) linked to their songwriter, artist, or brand name free for one year. .MUSIC provides a recognized, trusted, and verified music-centric internet profile. Every .MUSIC will also receive a free SmartBadge, which acts as a QR code […]
Read MoreApril 21, 2024
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alan Willaert, American Federation of Musicians Vice President from Canada and Director of Canadian Affairs, on April 18, 2024. Alan was a passionate and tenacious advocate for Canadian musicians—whether at contract negotiations or speaking about the impact of legislation before parliament. […]
Read MoreApril 21, 2024
AFM President Emeritus Victor W. “Vic” Fuentealba passed away April 17 at age 101. A proud AFM member for more than 80 years, he first joined the union in 1941, when he was performing with the Pete Santora Big Band at Haussner’s Rathskeller in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a member of Bob Craig’s orchestra just prior […]
Read MoreApril 20, 2024
In April, successor theatrical musical Pamphlet B and Short Engagement Tour (SET) agreements, negotiated with the Broadway League and Disney Theatrical Productions, Inc., were ratified by the bargaining unit. The agreement became effective April 15 and will run until February 28, 2027. Retroactive pay and related items are due for musicians on shows that were […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2024
by Tina Morrison, AFM International Executive Board Member and Local 105 (Spokane, WA) Executive Board Spring is here and for many it feels like a time of renewal. Those of us who live in the northern regions venture cautiously outside, looking for signs of budding leaves, listening to birds’ spring songs, and noticing how the […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2024
by Steve Wade, ROPA President and Member Local 400 (Hartford-New Haven, CT) In an article recently published in The Leading Tone, I wrote about a documentary called The Freeway Philharmonic, made in 2008 by Tal Skloot and Steven Baigel and broadcast on KQED in San Francisco. The film is an hour long, and modest in […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2024
by Keith Carrick, ICSOM Chair and Member Local 104 (Salt Lake City, UT) I am thrilled to announce the 62nd annual International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) Conference, will take place in Portland, Oregon, August 21-24. This year’s conference will cover a broad range of issues, including focus on cultivating and boosting relationships […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2024
by Robert Fraser, OCSM President and Member Local 247 (Victoria, BC) I write this column twice per year, in April and July. In addition to this, the Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians (OCSM) secretary reports on our conference in the October issue. The April column usually comes right after our delegates share mid-season reports, so […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2024
Between teaching, touring as second bassoon with the Louisville Orchestra, and playing with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, it’s a wonder Francisco Joubert Bernard of Local 11-637 (Louisville, KY) has time for anything else. But he is a firm believer that orchestra musicians need to take an active part in their organization’s governance. For Joubert […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2024
Among the most frustrating disorders for musicians to manage is task-specific focal dystonia. Dystonia causes muscles to contract, which makes them move involuntarily or get stuck in an abnormal position. It can affect the entire body or a certain part, and the movements can sometimes cause pain. Though there are a number of unknowns, dystonia […]
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