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.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM

Recent News

A 40-Year Union Perspective, My Final Offer

In 1976, as a first-time negotiating committee member with the Tulsa Philharmonic, our committee was frustrated by the fact that we were totally on our own in guiding our negotiations.


Why the AFM? Collective Action Across the Generations

The Symphonic Services Division (SSD), created in response to demand from player conferences, functions exclusively to support symphonic musicians and their local unions.


ROPA: A Decade of Growth

I have served on the ROPA Board for more than a decade. During that time, I’ve watched the organization grow from 68 member orchestras to 87.


Canadian Postal Strike Looming

Pensions for new hires is one of the main sticking points as talks between Canada Post and its 50,000 unionized workers go down to the wire, with the post office warning services could come to a halt by July 2.


AFL-CIO Endorses Clinton for President

The general board of the 12.5 million-member AFL-CIO voted to endorse Hillary Clinton for President. “Hillary Clinton is a proven leader who shares our values,” says AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.


United for Orlando Victims

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler, and Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre released statement in response to the murder of 49 people at Pulse, an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando. It reads…


Canadian Musician Writes Song for Refugees

AFM member Robert Graham of Local 149 (Toronto, ON) was so moved by the Middle East refugee crisis that he wrote a song and produced a video about it. All proceeds from “It Could Be You” go to the International Red Cross for their work with refugees worldwide. “I wrote the song after experiencing frustration […]


John Williams Receives Life Achievement Award

With 50 Academy Award nominations to his credit and nearly six decades’ worth of iconic film and television themes, composer John Williams of Locals 47 (Los Angeles, CA) and 9-535 (Boston, MA) has many achievements. On June 9, a gala celebrated Williams as the latest recipient of the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award—the first composer to ever receive the award.


Staffing Agency Fined for Misclassification

According to the US Department of Labor, Allstars Staffing LLC of Tempe Arizona, will have to pay more than $151,000 for misclassifying staff that it provided to resorts and hotels as independent contractors rather than employees


Republicans Work to Overturn Protection from Outlaw Contractors

Corporate lobbyists are busy trying to persuade Republican Senators to try to do away with the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order, which requires all companies seeking publicly funded contracts to report any record of violating workers’ rights on the job.








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