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.
The International Musician regularly features success stories about musical groups that have organized under the Federation. These victories illustrate how working musicians can receive fair treatment and a living wage through AFM membership. Such achievements not only strengthen our union, they also enhance the resilience of the music industry. Successful organizing campaigns are always gratifying […]
June 29, 2025
Local 5 (Detroit, MI) held a luncheon on May 19 to celebrate its 30- and 50-year members. This year, percussionist Philip (Phil Gram) Grameno marked 80 years of continuous membership. Local 5 President George Troia Jr. says, “Occasionally, we have someone attaining a higher status, but rarely 80 years.” The plaque read, “Detroit Federation of […]
Harmony in the Hustle: Austin Musician’s Vision for Collective Empowerment One priority set at the last AFM Convention was working to better support efforts to organize independent (freelance) musicians at the local level. One place where the indie musician scene is flourishing is Austin, Texas, under the jurisdiction of Local 433. But what is it […]
June 1, 2025
On April 29, the AFM lost a treasured leader, William “Bill” Moriarity, who served as Local 802 (New York City) president for 10 years, 1993-2003. A true servant leader, Moriarity once said in an interview that he does not call himself a leader, rather, “I call myself an officer. I try to let the rank-and-file […]
June 1, 2025
Iconic crooner Johnny Mathis has announced his retirement ahead of his 90th birthday. The singer, known for his velvety voice and elegant ballads, gave a farewell concert on May 18 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey. Throughout his 70-year career, Mathis has supported union musicians and hired full orchestras for all […]
June 1, 2025
Ottawa-born Bruce Cockburn, one of Canada’s most revered singer-songwriters, celebrated his 80th birthday May 27. Cockburn of Local 180 (Ottawa-Gatineau, ON) has released 38 albums over five decades and has been honored with 12 JUNO Awards. In 2001, he was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. He’s received the Governor General’s Performing Arts […]
Growing up as the only child of Korean parentage in his small Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, community, John Yun, music director of the surprise Broadway hit Maybe Happy Ending in New York’s Belasco Theatre, says he didn’t really see the piano as his future. “I wasn’t a great student,” Yun remembers. “I kind of did the […]
May 1, 2025
On March 25, students at Bucher Elementary School embarked on a thrilling music adventure with the Music in the Schools program and Local 294’s “Around the World in 50 Minutes! A Supersonic Musical Journey with the Sensational String Family.” The program introduced the young learners to stringed instruments, showcasing the vibrant sounds and unique characteristics […]
May 1, 2025
Fred Irby III, longtime AFM member, trumpeter, music professor, and founder of the legendary Howard University Jazz Ensemble (HUJE), has retired after 51 years. Irby had planned to retire in 2024, only to be persuaded by his students to stay on for one more year. Though he won’t be on the bandstand, Irby says he’ll […]
Harmony and Dissonance: Music, Marriage, and Eastern Music Festival Contract Negotiations It’s not uncommon to find couples working in the same orchestra, and most orchestras in the US can count at least one such partnership among their ranks. Rarely, an existing couple will win auditions for jobs in the same orchestra. More often, they meet […]