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

Nashville Mayor Declares Classical Music Day

Mayor Megan Barry announced that September 5, 2017 will be Classical Music Day in Music City.


Gift Expands Philadelphia’s Organ Repertoire

A $5 million gift from the Wyncote Foundation will allow The Philadelphia Orchestra to increase and expand programming for the Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ, the world’s largest mechanical action concert hall pipe organ.


Boston Conservatory Faculty Join Berklee Union

In June, the Berklee College of Music voluntarily recognized the Berklee Faculty Union as the bargaining representative for the 200-plus full-time and part-time faculty of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.


Louisville Orchestra Ratifies Three-Year Contract

A three-year contract agreement for Louisville Orchestra musicians, represented by Local 11-637 (Louisville, KY), was reached in mid-July.


Oregon Symphony Balances Budget

Oregon Symphony balanced its budget for an eighth consecutive year in the 2016-2017 season, while increasing the number of concerts it performed by 20%


LA Philharmonic Reaches Five-Year Agreement

In mid-August, the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s musicians and management announced that an agreement was reached for a new five-year labor contract, which goes into effect September 18. Highlights of the contract include annual increases to the musicians’ minimum weekly scale wages, reaching $3,168 in the final year of the contract; and new health care plan offerings that will help to manage costs.


Philadelphia Orchestra Completes Spring Tour of Asia

In early June, The Philadelphia Orchestra completed a tour of China, Mongolia, and South Korea. With Mongolia in financial crisis, the fate of that leg of the tour was uncertain for some time. In the end, 18 musicians—one-fifth of the group—made the trip to Mongolia. The orchestra’s members are represented by Local 77 (Philadelphia, PA).


Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Signs One-Year Contract

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) musicians and management reached an agreement on a new one-year contract, several months ahead of the current contract’s expiration in September.


San Diego Symphony Achieves Record Ticket Sales

The San Diego Symphony’s 2016-2017 season set a new sales record, with its classical series bringing in 15.6% more revenue than last year. The symphony’s musicians are members of Local 325 (San Diego, CA).


2017 Player Conference Preview

TMA Conference  |  july 31-august 1 |  Phoenix, Arizona

The Theatre Musicians Association Conference will be held at the Crown Plaza Phoenix-Phx Airport. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend this once a year opportunity to network, share experiences, and work toward our common goals. For more information visit the website (afm-tma.org).








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