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.
December 1, 2019
Two-time CMA Male Vocalist of the Year and Grammy winning country music artist Lee Greenwood was announced on November 1 as an appointee to the John F. Kennedy Center Board of Trustees by President Donald J. Trump.
December 1, 2019
As 2019 draws to a close, it is only natural and fitting that we look back at what has occurred this year and see what the Federation has accomplished and how far the union has come. It was a busy year full of change and continued resolution, full of challenges and accomplishments, all based on […]
November 29, 2019
To view this article in English, click here. Alan Willaert, vice-président de l’AFM pour le Canada Au cours des derniers mois, notre président, Ray Hair, et d’autres ont consacré de nombreux articles aux négociations relatives au cinéma et à la télévision, qui viennent de reprendre encore une fois à Los Angeles; mais nous ne dirons jamais assez l’importance […]
November 19, 2019
The biggest night in country music occurred November 13, and numerous Federation members received honors from the Country Music Association. This year’s winners included Local 257 members: Blake Shelton – Single of the Year: “God’s Country.” Old Dominion (Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Whit Sellers, Geoff Sprung, and Brad Tursi) – Group of the Year Dan […]
November 19, 2019
We are introducing a new feature in the members section of the AFM website—a section that is designed to improve and increase communication between the union and our members working under theatrical trade agreements across the country. Our first postings to this new site offer video/audio comments and impressions from a few of the musicians […]
November 4, 2019
Two-time CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, and Grammy-winning country music artist Lee Greenwood was announced on November 1 as an appointee to the John F. Kennedy Center Board of Trustees by President Donald J. Trump. Greenwood, a longtime member of Local 369 (Las Vegas, NV) and Local 257 (Nashville, TN), would serve as Member […]
October 30, 2019
In September, the Houston Grand Opera (HGO) announced a new contract agreement with its musicians, members of Local 65-699 (Houston, TX). The contract will be effective through fiscal year 2022. “Our negotiating team worked very hard to prepare and present a proposal that reflected the needs of our world-class HGO Orchestra,” says AFM Negotiating Committee […]
October 30, 2019
Musicians held a rally in late September with a brass band performing outside the 92nd Street Y in New York City—while Disney CEO Bob Iger talked with Oprah Winfrey inside the building. Iger was at the Y to promote a new book and discuss his self-described “decency-over-dollars” approach to doing business. The musicians were out […]
October 30, 2019
Union solidarity was on display recently when one dozen members of AFM Local 34-627 (Kansas City, MO) joined with members of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 31 to picket outside the General Motors (GM) Kansas City, KS plant. AFM members were there to support their union brothers and sisters—both by their presence and by performing […]
October 30, 2019
The AFM’s newest local, Local 423 (Boise, ID), Greater Idaho Musicians’ Association, which was chartered June 11, has elected its first slate of officers: Carmen Izzo, President Lindsay Bohl, Vice President Kim Ganong, Secretary-Treasurer Allison Emerick, Executive Officer Michael Maier, Executive Officer The Boise Philharmonic musicians (represented by Local 423), assisted by AFM Symphonic Services […]