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.
June 1, 2025
Ottawa-born Bruce Cockburn, one of Canada’s most revered singer-songwriters, celebrated his 80th birthday May 27. Cockburn of Local 180 (Ottawa-Gatineau, ON) has released 38 albums over five decades and has been honored with 12 JUNO Awards. In 2001, he was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. He’s received the Governor General’s Performing Arts […]
May 31, 2025
President Trump spent several days last month brawling with union musicians on social media: condemning them for their support of Harris during her campaign, bashing their talents and demanding investigations. Following late night posts from President Trump attacking musicians Bruce Springsteen of Locals 47 (Los Angeles, CA) and 399 (Asbury Park, NJ) and Taylor Swift […]
We extend our warmest congratulations to all AFM members who were nominated for this year’s Canadian JUNO Awards and East Coast Music Awards! Your dedication to your craft and the incredible talent you bring to the Canadian music scene are truly inspiring. It’s a testament to the vibrant and diverse musical landscape of our country. […]
March 31, 2025
This year, the AFM had a strong presence at the Folk Alliance International (FAI) conference, the world’s largest gathering of the folk music industry. The event took place at Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel, Montreal, Quebec, February 19-23. The comprehensive conference featured tailored business opportunities and hundreds of showcase performances celebrating a diverse range of […]
March 31, 2025
Musicians of Local 433 (Austin, TX) leafleted the South By Southwest (SXSW) festival on March 14 and 15 to raise awareness about exploitative working conditions and to inform musicians about the musicians’ union. Local 433 members braved the heat to have productive conversations with attendees as well as musicians at the festival. They handed out […]
March 8, 2025
AFM members of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) and Local 7 (Orange County/Long Beach, CA) traveled to California’s capital, Sacramento, with more than 100 entertainment and guild members of the Entertainment Union Coalition (EUC) to advocate for increased film and TV jobs across the state. The group attended an Assembly Budget Subcommittee Hearing that focused […]
March 6, 2025
Local 342 (Charlotte, NC) has filed an Unfair Labor Practice Charge and placed Eastern Music Festival (EMF) and its executive director on the AFM’s International Unfair List. The organization violated federal law when they unilaterally shut down the 2025 festival season with no warning or bargaining with musicians of the local. Eastern Music Festival’s faculty […]
March 5, 2025
Musicians of Local 802 (New York City) who work for the Argyle Theatre in Babylon, New York, have won a first-time union contract, achieving a wage increase of 17%, job security, pension contributions, a prohibition on virtual orchestra technology, and more. The newly renovated and historic Argyle, which dates back to 1921, opened in 2018 […]
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’ […]