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.

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Orchestra News

Santa Rosa Symphony Ratifies New Contract

The Santa Rosa Symphony in California, represented by Local 6 (San Francisco, CA), has ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement.


Virginia Symphony Offers First Sensory-Friendly Concert

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra presented its first sensory-friendly concert in November, designed for audience members on the autism spectrum.


North Carolina Symphony Begins Three-Year Music Education Residency

Building on the success of its recently completed three-year music education residency in North Carolina’s Sampson County, the North Carolina Symphony (NCS) began a new three-year residency in nearby Jones County in November.


Canadian Opera Company Orchestra Musicians Fight to Preserve Guaranteed Services, Achieve New Contract

by Catherine Gray, Member of Local 149 (Toronto, ON) en français Last spring, after a triumphant opening of La Bohème, the Canadian Opera Company (COC) Orchestra musicians found themselves facing a long, difficult summer fighting for their livelihoods and the future of Canadian Opera. When negotiations began on April 18, management wasn’t prepared to discuss […]


Toronto Symphony Orchestra Receives $10 Million Donation

The estate of long-standing Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) supporters and patrons Tom and Mary Beck has donated $10 million to the orchestra. The gift is the largest single donation in the orchestra’s history, and brings the lifetime giving of the Beck family to the TSO to over $20 million. In accordance with the wishes of […]


Virginia Symphony Orchestra Ratifies Collective Bargaining Agreement After Challenging Negotiations

In July, the musicians of the Virginia Symphony ratified a three-year agreement that is retroactive to August 1, 2018, and continues through July 31, 2021. The CBA covers 49 core musicians and 29 per-service musicians, represented by Local 125 (Norfolk, VA). Negotiations were difficult and lasted nearly a year. The committee successfully fought proposals to […]


Sarasota Orchestra Sees Improvements in New Contract

In early October, musicians of the Sarasota Orchestra, represented by Local 427-721 (Sarasota, FL) ratified a new four-year contract agreement. Running through the 2022-23 season, the contract includes salary increases in each year for the 42 full-time musicians (including two librarians) who perform in the 36-week concert season. The two sides of the bargaining table […]


Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Reaches Five-Year Agreement

Musicians of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra (HSO) ratified a five-year contract agreement in early October. The spirit of negotiations was collaborative and cooperative. The CBA will be effective through August 2024, and provides modest increases to base salaries and other compensation including per diem, equipment transportation, pension, and more. “This agreement is an affirmation of […]


Philadelphia Orchestra Begins New Four-Year Contract

This round of negotiations was difficult, but respectful and productive.


Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Musicians Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

The Musicians’ Association of Metropolitan Baltimore, Local 40-543, (MAMB) and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Inc. (BSO) on September 20 reached a tentative agreement on a proposed one-year contract.








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