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

Recent News

AFM Recognizes Signatory Grammy Winners

Numerous AFM members were among those honored with nominations and awards at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. Following is a list of Grammy winners who are AFM members and whose work is recorded on labels signatory to AFM agreements


Grassroots Organizers Get a LIFT

Labor Innovation Fund for the Twenty-First Century (LIFT) grants awarded to a diverse group of organizations that are organizing workers outside of traditional models.


10-Piece Orchestra Takes on Piano Player’s Unique Style

Steven Bernstein of Local 802 (New York, NY) first met Henry Butler decades ago and was impressed to say the least. He remembers thinking:


Al Jarreau Teaches and Sings with Students

Famous jazz vocalist and Grammy winner, Al Jarreau Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), taught a master class to a group of students from three separate performing arts schools in the Philadelphia area as part of the Mann Center for the Performing Arts’ three day Artists N Residency program.


Four Couples Play Together in Springfield Symphony Orchestra

Every orchestra is a little special, but the Springfield Symphony Orchestra has a something a little extra special. Four marries spouses all play together in the orchestra. Doug and Lori Wright, Fred and Genie Thiergartner, Arturo and Jennifer Araya, and Joe and Angela Heck Mueller.


Doctor Explains How to Prevent Voice Damage

Bob Dylan never had the most beautiful voice among musician, but listening to him today it’s easy to hear his voice has gotten even coarser over the years. With the release of his newest album, Shadows in the Night, Dylan is coverings songs made famous by singers like Frank Sinatra


High School Teacher Jared Cassedy Receives Music Educator Award

Jared Cassedy, a name no one really knows, has just become a Grammy winner. For the second year, the Recording Academy and Grammy Foundation are presenting the Grammy Music Educator award.


Vintage Radio and Record Ads

With the Grammy’s this Sunday, it’s a great time to take a look back in time to see where music came from. Thanks to the great people at Reminisce.com we have a series of old advertisements relating to radio and records.


The Black Keys Donate Song to PETA

The seven-time Grammy Award winners, The Black Keys of local 24 (Akron, OH) have donated their song “Howlin’ for You” to PETA for free, to be used in an ad promoting animal adoption.


Union Musicians Book New Strip Shows

Frank Leone, the 14-year president of the Musicians Union of Las Vegas, Local 369, is impressed with the turnaround of orchestra’s being hired for the Strip.








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