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.
March 1, 2026
The AFM is dedicated to strengthening organizing and collective power through its “Stronger Together” campaign. This initiative combines educational events with direct outreach to musicians to raise awareness of the union among musicians and future members. In December, at the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, the AFM partnered with Local 10-208 […]
January 1, 2026
by Wages Argott, AFM Director of Freelance Services and Membership Development By now I’m sure many of you may have either seen some correspondence or heard mention of the Freelance Musicians Association (FMA). So what exactly is this latest acronym and why should you care? The simplest answer is this: the FMA is a binational […]