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

Nick Knirk: Keeping It Fresh


Dr. Jane Chu Confirmed as Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts

  Dr. Jane Chu Confirmed as Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts On June 12, the US Senate voted unanimously to confirm Dr. Jane Chu as the new chair of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The White House will make the official appointment in the coming days. For AFM musicians who […]


AFM Member Honored

  AFM Member Honored at Boston University At commencement ceremonies held May 18, Boston University College of Fine Arts music Associate Professor Terry Everson, a member of Local 9-535 (Boston, MA), was recognized as a 2014 recipient of the Metcalf Award for Excellence in Teaching. Students, faculty, and alumni nominate candidates for the $5,000 prize […]


AFM vs. Lionsgate Issue Gains Momentum

The website Marketplace ran a story about Lionsgate offshoring the film’s score to a studio in Macedonia called F.A.M.E’S for much cheaper rates. Composer John Debney, recorded the soundtrack at F.A.M.E’S for cheaper rates than what would be acceptable to AFM musicians. Read or listen to the piece: http://mktplc.org/1qrnLyn “[Laurent Koppitz, the founder of F.A.M.E.’S] said that if […]


TSA Confiscates McBride’s Bow

TSA Confiscates McBride’s Bow In June, Local 802 (New York City) member Christian McBride arrived in Saskatoon, Canada, for a concert only to discover that his bow was missing from his case. “Now that it’s confirmed, I can tell you that good ol’ TSA confiscated (aka STOLE) my brand new bow right out of my […]


New AFM Agreement for Video Games Announced

The AFM has developed a new agreement in collaboration with Microsoft Corporation covering professional musicians employed in the making of video game soundtracks. The new agreement, which extends through December 2016, is effective immediately and is the result of discussions between the AFM and Microsoft that began early last year. “We are pleased that one […]


AFM and Advertising Industry Reach Three-Year Deal

Representatives of the AFM, the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), and the American Association of Advertising Agencies’ (4A’s) Joint Policy Committee on Broadcast Talent Union Relations (JPC) announced today that a successor agreement has been reached covering the services of professional musicians who record music tracks in the production of television, radio, and Internet commercial […]


Light, Perfect Piano

Privia Pro PX-5S Stage Piano The Privia Pro PX-5S stage piano is packed with remarkable sounds and 88 keys in a 24-pound package, it’s easily transported and will even perform flawlessly on battery power. It features Casio’s proprietary AiR sound source, which provides incredible realism, detail, and expression for award-winning grand piano sounds. PX-5S has […]


S2 Custom 24

S2 Custom 24 Has Funk Familiarity The S2 Custom 24 completes Paul Reed Smith’s S2 series of guitars launched last summer. Reminiscent of the Custom 24, the original PRS guitar, it retains the classic maple top/mahogany back combination and classic body shape, but has a new asymmetrical beveled top. It features 24 frets, custom-wound vintage […]


Musicians Hall of Fame Calls for AFM Nominees

In April the Musicians Hall of Fame, located in Nashville, Tennessee, announced that it is accepting nominees from AFM members for 2015 induction. It has created a special web link (ww.musicianshalloffame.com/nominations) to simplify the process of nominating peers. Each member may nominate up to 10 musicians, two producers, two arrangers, and two engineers. Nominations will […]








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