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 1, 2021
No Shortcuts: Organizing for Power in the New Gilded Age Drawing on her experience as a scholar and longtime organizer in student, environmental, and labor movements, Jane F. McAlevey examines cases from labor unions and social movements to pinpoint the factors that helped them succeed, or fail, to accomplish their intended goals. She ultimately concludes […]
Read MoreAugust 1, 2021
A post-pandemic return to live music is an opportunity for musicians to re-evaluate hearing health—and to modulate audio levels to reduce the inherent risk of hearing impairment. After more than a year away from a typical concert venue—amid virtual performances—musicians have naturally adjusted their volume to a controlled listening regimen. According to Michael Santucci, Au.D., […]
Read MoreAugust 1, 2021
New Vision of Unionism in the City of Brotherly Love & Sisterly Affection In order for the AFM to move forward as a whole, progress often needs to start at the local level. Local 77 (Philadelphia, PA) is an example of how transforming a single local can exert positive influence across an entire community. The […]
Read MoreAugust 1, 2021
In lockdown, during the pandemic, the esteemed accordionist Walter Ostanek of Local 298 (Niagara, ON) had to cancel all of his live shows. He says, “It’s been kind of quiet,” but he’s quick to add, “Once it opens up, I’ll be working; I’ll be getting back to music.” Never mention retirement to the 86-year-old, who […]
Read MoreAugust 1, 2021
During some of the darkest days of the pandemic in December 2020, the North Carolina Symphony (NCS) invited citizens across North Carolina to join, virtually, in a performance of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” Sheet music was provided for all different instruments, vocal parts, and skill levels, and participants submitted videos of their performances. Dance and […]
Read MoreJuly 31, 2021
In a show of solidarity, 75 artists—among them The Rolling Stones, Annie Lennox, Paloma Faith, Kano, Joan Armatrading, Chris Martin, Gary Barlow, Paul McCartney, Melanie C, Jimmy Page, Boy George, Noel Gallagher, and Kate Bush—have added their names to a joint letter calling on the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson for a government review of the […]
Read MoreJuly 31, 2021
Musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) have signed a one-year agreement that runs from June 28, 2021 through July 23, 2022. Ratified in early June, the agreement serves as a transition to return to the original conditions of the musicians’ five year (2018 to 2023) CBA. During the first phase, from July 23 through […]
Read MoreJuly 30, 2021
American Federation of Musicians of the US and Canada (AFM) and the Broadway League have announced an agreement on health and safety protocols for Pamphlet B touring shows. This news comes as Wicked, the first touring Broadway production to return to the road, is set to resume performances on August 3 in Dallas following a […]
Read MoreJuly 1, 2021
Genevieve Grant was five years old when her family relocated from Vancouver, Washington to San Diego, California. She began playing violin at nine years old, when music lessons were offered in public school. Although no one in her family was musical, Grant says that every Saturday evening she would sit by the radio and listen […]
Read MoreJuly 1, 2021
Musicians are susceptible to any number of performance-related injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tinnitus, neck, back, and joint pain. But let’s face it, the eyes and ears do the heavy lifting in music performance. As a focus of health and wellness, though, the senses—especially vision—are often taken for granted. Focusing on small notes on a […]
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