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

Toronto Symphony Launches Relaxed Performances Series

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has announced a new Relaxed Performances series, designed specifically for people living with autism spectrum disorders, sensory sensitivities, communication disorders, and learning disabilities.


Saga of Baltimore Symphony Musicians’ Contract Talks Continues

Continuing to rehearse and perform under the terms of an expired CBA since January 15, Baltimore Symphony Musicians are also working hard to build political support in both Baltimore City Hall and the Maryland state legislature for increased public funding.


ANIM: Returning Music to Afghanistan

Under the Taliban, the Afghan National Institute of Music (ANIM) would have been unthinkable. Now it strives to bring music to a land where it had all but disappeared.


Orchestra of St. Luke’s Announces DeGaetano Composition Institute Participants

Orchestra of St. Luke’s (OSL) in New York City has announced the participants in its inaugural DeGaetano Composition Institute, to take place July 2019 at the orchestra’s home, The DiMenna Center for Classical Music.


Edmonton Symphony Players Collect Money for Food Bank

For the past 10 years, during intermissions in their December festive season concerts, members of the Edmonton Symphony Players Association go into the lobby to solicit monetary contributions to the Edmonton Food Bank from audience members.


Chicago Symphony Orchestra Votes to Authorize Strike

On February 13, musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), represented by Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL) voted to authorize a strike beginning March 10, if negotiations for a new contract are not complete.


Baltimore Symphony Musicians Continue to Champion Their Cause

In partnership with Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM), Baltimore Symphony Musicians planned to host an event February 27 to build support among politicians and other civic leaders as the musicians continue their fight for a fair contract.


Philadelphia Orchestra Plans New Tour to China

At the end of January, The Philadelphia Orchestra announced plans for its 12th tour to China, in celebration of 40 years of official diplomatic ties between the US and China.


Union Orchestras Provide Free Tickets and Donate Food for Furloughed Government Employees

To help employees facing hardship due to the government shutdown, union orchestras and their members provided free concert tickets to furloughed government employees and their families.


Cleveland Orchestra Ratifies Three-Year Contract

In mid-December, musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra, members of Local 4 (Cleveland, OH), ratified a three-year agreement retroactive to September 3, 2018 that runs through August 29, 2021.








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