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 24, 2021
The American Rescue Plan includes a provision that grants a 100% subsidy for six months of health care premiums for COBRA-eligible people who lose their jobs or eligibility for employer coverage for the period from April 1 to September 30, 2021. Under the law, those employees will not have to pay any premiums for six months. […]
Read MoreApril 24, 2021
At their quarterly meeting, Local 125 (Norfolk, VA) welcomed special guest Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, who was made an honorary AFM member. Kaine lives in Richmond, and travels the state when the Senate is in recess. According to Tom Reel, vice president of Local 125, the special event had been in the works since 2018 […]
Read MoreApril 24, 2021
Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) organized a unique collaboration, inviting musicians of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra to join the DSO on stage for concerts April 30 and May 1. The Met musicians, represented by Local 802 (New York City), have not performed together in over a year, since the COVID-19 shutdowns, and have gone nearly that […]
Read MoreApril 24, 2021
Like many other festivals, the Tanglewood Music Festival is preparing to reopen to audiences this summer. The Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops, represented by Local 9-535 (Boston, MA) will return to their summer home at Tanglewood for live performances in July and August. The festival will run for six weeks, about half of […]
Read MoreApril 24, 2021
The musicians of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and management of the Chautauqua Institution have agreed to extend the terms of the current musicians’ contract agreement through September 2021, while also making adjustments that allow for more flexibility in crafting the 2021 season. Five weeks of performances will take place during Chautauqua’s renowned summer season. […]
Read MoreApril 24, 2021
In March, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) announced that it will extend its musicians’ contract through June 2024, maintaining all pay, benefits, and work rules of the current CBA. The deal was ratified unanimously by the musicians, 15 months ahead of time. While many orchestra negotiations since the pandemic have involved pay cuts, SPCO […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2021
On February 24, Region 25 (Indianapolis) of the National Labor Relations Board issued a formal complaint against the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. It alleges that during the course of bargaining for a successor collective bargaining agreement, the Philharmonic failed and refused to bargain in good faith when it “presented and subsequently withdrew bargaining proposals; reneged on […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2021
Creativity goes far beyond your artistic outlets—it’s about doing something meaningful, giving you a sense of purpose. Acting on your creativity comes with a bonus side effect of living longer, because being creative reduces stress and keeps your brain active. Not that you needed those stats to want to continue to love and foster your […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2021
Powerful, Detailed Sound The Sennheiser HD 200 PRO monitoring headphones deliver powerful studio sound for recording your own tunes, practicing silently, or simply enjoying your favorite music. The HD 200 PRO’s closed, around-ear headphone design reduces ambient noise, while Sennheiser’s proprietary transducers deliver stereo sound reproduction with powerful punchy bass. Soft ear cushions and the […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2021
New Generation of Violin Strings Thomastik-Infeld has released its new Dominant PRO DP100 violin strings, made to offer an additional, contemporary repertoire of strings to its existing Dominant lines. Ideally suited for chamber musicians, soloists, and orchestra musicians alike, the new DP100 series features a broad range of sound colors, good balance of brilliance and warmth, […]
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