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.
September 21, 2023
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s musicians boarded buses bound for a scheduled North Carolina performance tour “under protest,” despite what Local 77 (Philadelphia, PA) leaders called stalled contract talks, according to a union statement. The orchestra’s performances at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are the musicians’ first since their contract expired September 10. They […]
September 19, 2023
On the opening night of the ballet’s 2023 season, the Musicians of the New York City Ballet Orchestra (NYCB) organized a rally outside of Lincoln Center. Hundreds of musicians and supporters took to the sidewalks to demonstrate their support. The NYCB musicians’ contract has expired, and they are demanding compensation for the sacrifices they have […]
September 1, 2023
Answer these 10 questions to help determine which agreement is appropriate for your next music recording project. (Note: If the electronic media project involves a symphony, opera, ballet, or chamber orchestra that has a collective bargaining agreement, you will need to confer with the Symphonic Services Division to determine the appropriate agreement.) •What is the […]
September 1, 2023
The Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) broke another record in residuals collected for musicians during the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2023. Total collections for fiscal year 2023 exceeded $141 million—surpassing the previous record of just over $130 million in 2022. On June 30, FMSMF processed payments for approximately 18,000 musicians and beneficiaries […]
August 30, 2023
On August 22, a historic day of solidarity took place across the nation as AFL-CIO affiliates from all industries joined in rallies with members of the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and Writers Guild of America (WGA). The streets echoed with support for the striking actors and writers […]
July 31, 2023
In mid-July, the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) went on strike, joining the Writers Guild of America (WGA) in calling for better pay and job security, and drawing attention to disparities in the film and television industry that have grown wider in the streaming boom. The strike came […]
July 3, 2023
The 102nd Convention of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada was held June 26 through June 29, 2023 at the Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The theme “In Unity, There Is Strength” was reflected in the various discourse among the delegates and echoed by many guest speakers. […]
July 3, 2023
by Marc Sazer, Recording Musicians Association President and Member of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) and Local 802 (New York City) Why should residuals for recording musicians in a few mostly big cities matter? Our goal of achieving a fair streaming residual isn’t just for recording musicians. The industry standard “fixed” residual is paid through […]
July 3, 2023
Under Fire on Broadway, Byrne Concedes to Union David Byrne created the disco-pop musical Here Lies Love with the intention of launching it on Broadway. Ironically, he never envisioned the show as a musical—and certainly not one with live musicians. The former frontman of the Talking Heads—a rock band largely popular in the early 1980s—snubbed […]
May 31, 2023
On Sunday, June 25, during the gala celebration at the AFM Convention, the National Music Council will honor music visionaries Ray Chew of Local 802 (New York City) and Vivian Scott Chew with the 39th annual American Eagle Award. The award, which will be presented by Academy and Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress Regina […]