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.
June 1, 2024
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the US Census Bureau, in 2023, creative professionals represented by unions made on average 34% more than their nonunion counterparts. The AFL-CIO’s Department of Professional Employees connects 12 arts unions, including the AFM, in the Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industry Coordinating Committee (AEMI). Union members, working as […]
Read MoreJune 1, 2024
The city of Mississauga, Ontario, approved its first Musician Fair Pay Policy, marking a significant step toward recognizing and valuing the contributions of musicians within the local art scene. The policy is one of the first in Canada to set a minimum payment for musicians that perform at city-produced events. It’s the result of Music Strategy: […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2024
The AFM is pleased to announce a new agreement with singer and songwriter Josh Groban. Signed in March, the agreement stipulates that Groban will sign union contracts for all of his live performances and tours that engage accompanying or background musicians. The contracts will be executed through the AFM local in whose jurisdiction the performance […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2024
Firmly Rooted in the Aloha Spirit Growing up in Hawaii isn’t all sun, surf, and palm trees. Okay, well, maybe it is. But for a budding musician, that can present its own challenges. “Like any other kid learning an instrument, video games and television are a distraction,” says Abe Lagrimas, Jr., a jazz drummer, vibraphonist, […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2024
It’s not the first thing musicians think of when it comes to being healthy and fit to play, but regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning should happen every six months, or at least annually. Wind players, especially, must be mindful of any changes in the shape and position of their teeth and bite. Consider […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2024
“Stand faithfully by your friends and elect them. Oppose your enemies and defeat them.” That is the political policy of the AFL-CIO, and one that the AFM has subscribed to for decades. The unquestionable truth of it motivated the AFM International Executive Board (IEB), in its first quarterly meeting of 2024, to endorse US President […]
Read MoreApril 29, 2024
Applications for 2024 Music Performance Trust Fund scholarships are being accepted through May 31. The MPTF Scholarship initiative supports the children of musicians through Music Family Scholarships, and helps future musicians through Music’s Future Scholarships. A minimum of $150,000 will be awarded to students in the Fall of 2024 through two scholarship programs: ♦Music Family […]
Read MoreApril 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 […]
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