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 20, 2019
Each year, the fund distributes thousands of residual payments to musicians that can range in amounts from double digits to more than seven figures.
December 10, 2019
Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, a member 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 America’s most revered visual historian and filmmaker, […]
December 10, 2019
Folk artist and 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 […]
December 1, 2019
As 2019 draws to a close, it is only natural and fitting that we look back at what has occurred this year and see what the Federation has accomplished and how far the union has come. It was a busy year full of change and continued resolution, full of challenges and accomplishments, all based on […]
December 1, 2019
Nashville Musicians Association Musician’s Emergency Relief Fund helps Local 257 members in financial need due to medical and emergency issues that prevent them from working.
December 1, 2019
Two-time CMA Male Vocalist of the Year and Grammy winning country music artist Lee Greenwood was announced on November 1 as an appointee to the John F. Kennedy Center Board of Trustees by President Donald J. Trump.
November 29, 2019
To view this article in English, click here. Alan Willaert, vice-président de l’AFM pour le Canada Au cours des derniers mois, notre président, Ray Hair, et d’autres ont consacré de nombreux articles aux négociations relatives au cinéma et à la télévision, qui viennent de reprendre encore une fois à Los Angeles; mais nous ne dirons jamais assez l’importance […]
November 19, 2019
The biggest night in country music occurred November 13, and numerous Federation members received honors from the Country Music Association. This year’s winners included Local 257 members: Blake Shelton – Single of the Year: “God’s Country.” Old Dominion (Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Whit Sellers, Geoff Sprung, and Brad Tursi) – Group of the Year Dan […]
November 19, 2019
We are introducing a new feature in the members section of the AFM website—a section that is designed to improve and increase communication between the union and our members working under theatrical trade agreements across the country. Our first postings to this new site offer video/audio comments and impressions from a few of the musicians […]
November 4, 2019
Two-time CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, and Grammy-winning country music artist Lee Greenwood was announced on November 1 as an appointee to the John F. Kennedy Center Board of Trustees by President Donald J. Trump. Greenwood, a longtime member of Local 369 (Las Vegas, NV) and Local 257 (Nashville, TN), would serve as Member […]