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.

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Recent News

Retiring AFM Executive Secretary Looks Back Fondly

Theresa Naglieri began working for the AFM June 24, 1958. She was just a few days out of high school when she joined the steno pool.


AFM Members to be Inducted to Rock Hall of Fame

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced the 2015 class of musicians who will be inducted next April.  Green Day; Bill Withers; Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble; Lou Reed; Joan Jett and the Blackhearts; and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band make up the 2015 class of inductees. The members of Green Day […]


Full List of the 2015 Grammy Award AFM Member Nominees

The full list of the 2015 Grammy Awards have been revealed and we wanted to highlight and congratulate our fellow AFM members who were nominated.   Best American Roots Performance Keb’ Mo’ local 47 (Los Angeles, CA)   Best Rock Performance Arctic Monkeys’ members: Alex Turner (keyboard), Matt Helders (drums), and Jamie Cook (guitar) from local […]


Nathan East Will Be Inducted into NAMM TEC Awards Hall of Fame

Bassist Nathan East will be inducted into the NAMM TEC Awards Hall of Fame by the NAMM Foundation. The induction will occur during the 30th Annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity Award show on January 24th in Anaheim, California. East has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry including: Daft Punk, […]


Classical Musicians and Celebrities Collaborate on New Album to Fight AIDS

Today is World AIDS Day and Sing for Hope is releasing  AIDS Quilt Songbook: Sing for Hope, a new album featuring classical musicians and celebrities to benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research on their quest to end the AIDS epidemic. The musicians performing in the album ranges from rising stars to award-winning classical artists like Yo-Yo […]


AFM Members Among CMA Award Winners

Among those honored at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in November were Local 257 (Nashville, TN) members Dierks Bentley, who was awarded Music Video of the Year for “Drunk on a Plane”; Blake Shelton, who was awarded Male Vocalist of the Year; and Mac McAnally who was awarded Musician of the Year.


H.E.A.R. Day New York Honors Les Paul

Last week on H.E.A.R. Day New York a panel of medical and health experts discussed the importance of improving hearing conservations for performers, professionals, and those who enjoy listening to music as well. This year Les Paul was honored with the H.E.A.R Leadership Award. Kathy Peck, ED of H.E.A.R. has this to say: “Les Paul […]


Walmart Reports Sales Woes

A leaked internal Walmart memo urged store managers to improve lagging sales over the past 18 months by keeping shelves stocked, among other tips. However, the memo also ignores two of the more obvious solutions to the chain’s woes: giving workers adequate hours and paying them a living wage of $15 per hour. “Understaffing, from […]


Baltimore Runs the Orchestra Numbers

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra gathered data for classical performances by 21 major American orchestras on the 2014-2015 season and uncovered some interesting statistics. Those orchestras will perform 1,000 different pieces by 286 different composers for a total of almost 4,600 times. The average year of composition for the pieces is 1886, and only 9.5% were written […]


Warner Music Group Announces Prize for Young Classical Musicians

Warner Music Group announced a $100,000 prize for young classical musicians between the ages of 18 and 35. The award, presented in association with Carnegie Hall, is funded by billionaire industrialist Len Blavatnik who purchased Warner in 2011. Sixteen candidates from Carnegie Hall’s 2014-2015 roster are in the running for the first award. The Blavatnik […]








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