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.
February 28, 2025
New TSA screeners are smaller than previous equipment, and are causing delays and burdensome confusion for some musicians. The entry size is now 24.5 inches wide and 16.5 inches tall. This means that larger instruments, which do fit in the airplane luggage bins, will not fit through the scanning machines. Instruments that cannot fit through […]
February 28, 2025
In February, the AFM became a member of the Entertainment Union Coalition (EUC) in California. The EUC is focused on advocating for the expansion of California’s film and television tax incentives, which are essential to attracting and retaining production in the state. Among other issues, the coalition also works to promote policies that support workers’ […]
February 28, 2025
In a move to lift spirits and bring a bit of joy to those affected by the recent L.A. wildfires, the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF), Red Cross of Los Angeles County, and Make Music Alliance co-sponsored a live concert with Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) musicians on the afternoon of February 12 at the […]
February 1, 2025
Recently, Local 77 (Philadelphia, PA) announced an initiative to recognize the charter of former Local 274, which was founded by Black jazz musicians in 1935. The local thrived in Philadelphia until 1971, when it lost its charter for refusing to merge with Local 77. Aside from its work of ensuring all musicians are treated equally […]
January 30, 2025
The tragic Palisades and Eaton fires are the most destructive to ever hit Los Angeles County. Dozens of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) members have lost their homes and musical instruments. Many home studios, recordings, rare collections, and music memorabilia have been completely destroyed. Through Local 47’s Musicians Relief Fund, members in need have been able […]
January 30, 2025
Many professional bows are made of Pernambuco wood from the threatened Pernambuco tree native to the Atlantic forests in Brazil. The AFM, in collaboration with League of American Orchestras and other organizations has created a “Know Your Bow” campaign to help bow owners document basic facts about the wood used in their bows, be informed […]
January 1, 2025
Finding success as an independent musician often requires more than a high level of musical proficiency and a professional working demeanor. As most freelance musicians already know, you’re a small business and quite a bit of work is required outside of your performance. Here are a few things to think about, as well as some […]
December 30, 2024
For the first time in its history, this year the Kennedy Center inducted a venue, Harlem’s fabled Apollo Theater, in celebration of nine decades of the theater championing Black artists and culture. The tribute to the Apollo highlighted the sheer diversity of art forms showcased at the 90-year-old theater. Bonnie Raitt of Local 47 (Los […]
December 30, 2024
Nearly $10 million was stolen from a Scotiabank account of the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR) earlier this year. FACTOR, founded in 1982, is a public/private partnership that supports the production of sound recordings by Canadian musicians, in addition to offering programs that support Canadian recordings and make them accessible to a wider […]
December 1, 2024
A Look at 2024 Achievements & Challenges During 2024 we saw both remarkable achievements and pressing challenges for our union. We celebrated the resilience and creativity of AFM members when they work together in both groundbreaking performances and impactful advocacy. One quickly developing and significant threat we face is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence […]