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 30, 2019
Because of the intensity of repeated rehearsals and performances, orchestral players are among the most susceptible to various types of skin issues.
Read MoreDecember 26, 2019
In 2009, three professors from the University of North Florida decided to form a rehearsal, or kix, band that would perform contemporary big band music. The band, called the TBA Big Band, has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, and two of the founding members who are still with the project were honored by their AFM […]
Read MoreDecember 26, 2019
Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, of Local 802 (New York City), has been named the recipient of the 2020 Ken Burns American Heritage Prize. The award will be presented May 6, 2020, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Named in honor of revered visual historian and filmmaker, the Ken Burns American […]
Read MoreDecember 26, 2019
The AFM joined with other members of the music community on November 21 to celebrate the introduction of bipartisan legislation in Congress that would end big radio’s ability to use music without first obtaining any form of permission from the people who recorded it. “All musicians should be paid for all their work all the […]
Read MoreDecember 26, 2019
Folk artist, pioneer, and 45-year member of the AFM Joni Mitchell will receive the prestigious Les Paul Innovation Award at the 35th Annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards (NAMM TEC Awards), being held Saturday, January 18, 2020 in Anaheim, California. The award is given on behalf of the Les Paul Foundation to honor individuals that have set the […]
Read MoreDecember 26, 2019
AFM member Joseph Conyers has been named as one of the 10 finalists for the inaugural Lewis Prize for Music. The mission of the Lewis Prize is to partner with leaders who create positive change by investing in young people through music. Each finalist is dedicated to strengthening young people in their communities through rigorous […]
Read MoreDecember 26, 2019
AFM members Linda Ronstadt, of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), and Michael Tilson Thomas, of Local 9-535 (Boston, MA) and Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), were among the roster of entertainment industry icons who were inducted recently into the Kennedy Center Honors class of 2019.“The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates icons who, through their artistry, have […]
Read MoreDecember 26, 2019
In mid-November, the Las Vegas Philharmonic (LVP) announced its new partnership with the Nevada School of the Arts. This is the first initiative introduced under the umbrella of the philharmonic’s Music SPARK program, which encompasses education and community engagement activities. In its first year, the partnership includes three intensive mentoring and coaching sessions for chamber […]
Read MoreDecember 26, 2019
After years of delays, plans are set to begin renovations of the New York Philharmonic’s David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center in 2022. The renovation project will cost $550 million and is anticipated to be completed March 2024. There has been $360 million already raised. Plans for the concert hall include acoustical improvements and more […]
Read MoreDecember 26, 2019
The Boston Musicians Association (BMA), Local 9-535, and the Professional Musicians of the South Coast, Local 216 (Fall River, MA), have joined together to organize the New Bedford Symphony (Yaniv Dinur, music director), founded in 1915, as an AFM orchestra. In December 2019, musicians of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra voted overwhelmingly in an NLRB […]
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