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

New Contract Includes Raises for Annapolis Symphony Orchestra

Ahead of the June 30 expiration of their previous CBA, musicians of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Local 40-543 (Baltimore, MD), have announced the ratification of a new three-year contract. Covering the orchestra’s 70 musicians, the contract calls for annual wage increases, adjustments to work rules, and a process for employing musicians in the new Annapolis […]


Toledo Symphony Orchestra Ratifies Five-Year CBA

The Toledo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) announced the ratification of a new five-year CBA in mid-June. The contract is scheduled to take effect September 1, 2019 and will provide raises of 2% in years one and two; 3% in years three and four; and 4% in year five. Orchestra musicians, members of Local 15-286 (Toledo, OH), […]


Grant Park Festival Orchestra Agrees to New Contract

Grant Park Festival Orchestra in Chicago reached an agreement on a new three-year collective bargaining agreement


Expressing Solidarity with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Musicians

Various orchestras throughout the US have donned Baltimore Symphony Musicians T-shirts and taken pictures to express solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Local 40-543. A few of those orchestras who have done this are pictured below: Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Minnesota, National, St. Paul, Toronto, and San Francisco area musicians.


Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Management Tries to Influence Governor, Undermine Bargaining Process

As Baltimore Symphony Musicians continued to picket Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, emails released pursuant to a Freedom of Information Act request revealed Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) management attempted to influence Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to attach to any release of state funds a message supporting the management bargaining position seeking drastic cuts in musician compensation. […]


Building a Movement in Boise

Just prior to the 101st convention of the AFM, the International Executive Board approved the charter of new Local 423 in Boise.


How the Newfoundland Symphony Achieved Its First Collective Agreement

On June 15, the members of the NSO ratified their first collective agreement.


Baltimore Symphony Musicians Locked Out, Summer Season Canceled

For the first time in three decades, the musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) have been locked out, cancelling their summer season.


Orchestra Players Honored with Ford Musicians Awards

The League of American Orchestras has named the winners of its fourth annual Ford Musician Awards—and all five awardees are AFM members.


Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to Receive State Funding

In an effort to help Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) musicians and management reach a contract agreement, a bill providing an additional $3.2 million in state funding to the orchestra over the next two years is expected to become law by the end of May.








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