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.
November 1, 2024
In April, a successor theatrical musical Pamphlet B and Short Engagement Tour (SET) agreement, negotiated with the Broadway League and Disney Theatrical Productions, Inc., was ratified by the bargaining unit. The agreement became effective April 15 and will run until February 28, 2027. Retroactive pay and related percentage pay items going back to August 2023, […]
November 1, 2024
by Michael Epperhart, Theatrical Trade Negotiator, AFM Theatre/Touring/Booking Division As the newly appointed AFM theatrical trade negotiator, I wanted to provide the backstory of how I came into this role. In addition, I would like to outline my work, goals, and current focus in our AFM community. I spent 15 years on the road with […]
October 1, 2024
by John O’Connor, Executive Board Member, Local 380-443 (Binghamton, NY) At the 2023 AFM Convention, a resolution was passed designating that the AFM advocate, educate, and organize for health care justice and a single payer system that will make health care a birthright for everyone in the United States. The centerpiece of the resolution, which […]
September 1, 2024
As a lobbyist, Alfonso Pollard had a keen understanding of musicians’ issues because he started out as one. He obtained a Bachelor of Music degree from The Juilliard School and a master’s degree in performance from Catholic University of America. He served as principal timpanist for Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Opera Orchestra, and Filene Center […]
February 1, 2024
by John O’Connor, Executive Board Member of Local 380-443 (Binghamton, NY) In the late 1990s, former Local 802 (New York City) President Bill Moriarity was appointed to lead an AFM task force that explored health insurance options available to musicians, analyzed the health care system in the United States, and delivered a report to the […]