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.
December 23, 2022
Musicians of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Players’ Association and Local 58 (Fort Wayne, IN) are on strike for the first time in their orchestra’s history. The musicians, who have been performing under an expired contract since September 1, are demanding fair wages and better working conditions, after making significant sacrifices during the pandemic. In May […]
Read MoreDecember 1, 2022
From Amazon to Starbucks to musical workplaces, the ingredients of a labor campaign are universal. This year saw inspiring wins at two major—and notoriously anti-union—corporations, and workers triumphed. Though the midterm elections ushered in a divided federal government, the administration will continue to turn its attention to the federal agencies to achieve its labor and […]
Read MoreDecember 1, 2022
Beginning in 2018, Fiddler on the Roof performed in Yiddish was selling out shows. The off-Broadway production, which was about to go on tour in 2020 when the pandemic hit, was revived this fall at New World Stages. The production had a union contract covering the actors and other production workers, but the producers refused […]
Read MoreDecember 1, 2022
“It’s a remarkable thing that we get to do this for a living,” says Corbett, a violinist in The Florida Orchestra (TFO) since 1989 and member of Local 427-721 (Tampa Bay, FL). Her warmth and enthusiasm are infectious as she speaks about her good fortune. “Even after all these years, I know how tremendous it is that I am able to make my living doing this, and I never stop appreciating it.”
Read MoreDecember 1, 2022
The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Quebec Lieutenant Pablo Rodriguez announced nearly $10 million directed to 59 projects that will provide long-term support for cultural workers and musicians, including projects for two AFM unions, Local 145 (Vancouver, BC) and Local 571 (Halifax, NS).
Read MoreDecember 1, 2022
Acute inflammation is the immune system’s appropriate response to sudden trauma, injury, or bacteria. To begin healing, your body sends inflammatory cells to the site of the injury. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, means that your body continues sending inflammatory cells, even when there is no foreign substance to fight. This overactive immune response—when antibodies mistakenly attack body tissues—can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases.
Read MoreNovember 1, 2022
On the Road Again: 2021-2022 Season Saw 22 Pamphlet B Shows Touring by George Fiddler, AFM Director of Touring/Theatre/Booking Division and Assistant to the President This month’s Theater issue features a cover story about Julie Ferrara of Local 802 (New York City), reed player on the current Frozen tour and steward for its 11-member orchestra. […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2022
by Heather Boehm, Theatre Musicians Association President and Member of Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL) There is a lot to report from the Theatre Musicians Association (TMA). We’re deeply engaged in our mission: “… to promote the respective interest of theatre orchestras and their member musicians, both full-time and part-time; both local and traveling; to enhance […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2022
Broadway reed doubler Kristy Norter of Local 802 (New York City) is quick to start off an interview by pointing out two things. First, she is careful to give props to the other female contractors who came before her and laid the groundwork for her success on the job. And second, she prefers the term […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2022
Julie Ferrara of Local 802 (New York City) likes to joke that her career has gone in reverse. “Most pit orchestra musicians get on tours with the hope of eventually making it to Broadway,” says Ferrara, a woodwind doubler currently touring the country with Disney’s musical Frozen. “Instead, I worked on Broadway for 14 years before entertaining the opportunity to go on the road.”
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