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 29, 2022
AFM President Ray Hair has named John K. Painting as AFM Director of the Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD) and Assistant to the President, following the unexpected passing of EMSD Director Pat Varriale in May. “I have immense respect for John and his thorough knowledge of AFM’s media agreements,” says AFM President Ray Hair. “During […]
June 29, 2022
The $500 scholarship for outstanding performance in music was organized by the Walt Disney Studios Music Team to recognize Varriale’s 48-year career as an advocate for musicians and his work as AFM EMSD director.
June 29, 2022
Applications for 2022 Music Performance Trust Fund scholarships are being accepted through July 15.
June 1, 2022
We tragically said goodbye to AFM Electronic Media Services Director Patrick Varriale who died suddenly on May 13. If you knew Pat Varriale, you knew of his deep love and dedication to the AFM, its member musicians, and his colleagues. He never missed an opportunity to recognize those who worked with him and looked out […]
June 1, 2022
Launched in 1961, the AFM Taskforce for Employment of Musicians Promotional Organization (TEMPO) Fund, is the US restricted, nonpartisan political action fund established by the AFM International Executive Board, and designated to support members of both federal, state, and local legislators. For over 60 years, we have depended on these champions to support the causes […]
April 26, 2022
The 102nd Convention of the American Federation of Musicians will be held at the Westgate Hotel & Casino (3000 Paradise Road; Las Vegas, NV 89109), beginning Monday, June 26, and concluding Thursday, June 29, 2023,
April 1, 2022
Within days of the first the Russian attack on Ukraine in February, support for the Ukrainian people fighting for their freedom began to ring out in performing arts venues worldwide. From the Ukrainian national anthem performed by the Metropolitan Opera and Orchestra while the opera house was lit up in blue and yellow, to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra recording and releasing a video performance of “Prayer for Ukraine,” musicians at countless AFM orchestras are using their art form to raise awareness and promote solidarity.
April 1, 2022
Musicians of the San Antonio Symphony continue their strike, pushing for a fair contract for 72 full-time musicians. The musicians, members of Local 23 (San Antonio, TX), went on strike September 27 in response to management’s imposed contract that reduced the number of full-time musicians and cut wages. They have rejected the symphony board’s last offer […]
Considering how to increase diversity in North America’s orchestras often leads to a chicken-versus-egg dilemma: Tackle it from the top down with recruitment in conservatories and colleges? Or is it best addressed from the bottom up, investing in and improving grade school music programs in underserved areas? Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member John Lofton, […]
February 25, 2022
Members of Local 72-147 (Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX) held an informational leafleting on February 11, before the 8 p.m. performance of Casa Mañana’s production of Matilda: the Musical. Casa Mañana Theatre is in the hot seat for replacing musicians with prerecorded tracks for the mainstage production of Matilda, a violation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the theater and Local 72-147. The union has […]