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.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM

Orchestra News

San Antonio Symphony Looks Toward Future with New CBA

In late August, the San Antonio Symphony announced that its musicians and management had reached a new three-year contract agreement, ushering in a new era of stability.


Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Local 3 Agree to New Contract

Local 3 (Indianapolis, IN) and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra (ICO) ratified a progressive three-year collective bargaining agreement on August 2.


Baltimore Symphony Management intent on cutting season despite offer of $1 million from generous donors

At 6:59 pm Monday evening, September 9, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) management issued a “take it or leave it” offer to the BSO Musicians which will be presented to the orchestra for a vote this evening, September 10. The proposal contained wage and benefit cuts of 20%. The federal mediators proposed an extension of negotiations […]


Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Members and Advocates Create New ‘Make Music’ Project

BSO musicians and advocates have developed and implemented a project called “Make Music with Baltimore Symphony Musicians.”


Solidarity with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Musicians Continues

New York, Chicago, and Pittsburgh Symphony musicians show their support for the Baltimore Symphony musicians with Baltimore Symphony t-shirts.


Albany Symphony Reaches Agreement on New Contract

After five months of negotiations, musicians and management of the Albany Symphony reached an agreement on a new contract near the end of July.


Kansas City Symphony Negotiates Contract Extension

With both its executive director and board chair planning departures, the Kansas City Symphony negotiated a contract extension ahead of schedule.


National Philharmonic Will Continue Operations

The National Philharmonic in Maryland will continue performing in the coming season and beyond, after avoiding a near shut-down this summer.


AFM Las Vegas LIVE! Event

A Portrait of Musical Diversity Professional music is what we do best! More than 200 Las Vegas residents converged on the Historic Fifth Street School in Las Vegas on June 22 to watch more than 40 popular music artists rock the house in a dynamic, explosive showcase of extraordinary musical talent. Expanding on the Music […]


New York City Opera Announces 2019/20 Season

The New York City Opera (NYCO), which emerged from bankruptcy in 2016, has announced its schedule for the 2019/20 season. The company is planning two staged opera productions and several performances in a concert setting—including a 75th anniversary concert and a June concert to celebrate Pride Month. The first opera production in the fall pairs […]








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