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

Joe Deninzon: Pushing the Limits of Violin

Innovative violinist Joe Deninzon of Local 802 (New York City) pushes the limits of both acoustic and electric violin as leader of several diverse groups, and as a passionate educator. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Deninzon’s family emigrated to the US when he was four years old.


Do EU Listeners Pay for Music?

A new European Commission report showed that 60% of nearly 27,000 European consumers surveyed early this year had either streamed or downloaded music in the past 12 months, but they are paying for music at relatively low rates.


British Songwriters Take Legal Action Against SoundCloud

According to Variety, PRS for Music, a British songwriter agency, has initiated legal action against music streaming site SoundCloud amid claims that the service is not paying royalties and securing licenses from its artists. A letter to the group’s members stated that the action follows five years of unsuccessful negotiations. A SoundCloud spokesperson told Variety […]


Hartford Musicians to Rally at Connecticut State Capitol

If you are in the Hartford, Connecticut, area and free on Wednesday, September 9, come out and show your support for the musicians of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra who are fighting for a fair contract.


Labor Day Celebrates Working Families

Labor Day should be a celebration of the achievements of American workers that also recognizes the strength of working families who join together to fight for living fair wages. Visit the website: http://labor-day-2015.hq.afl-cio.serenity-v1.aflcio.org/#!/events to find an event near you.


Be Part of the Music: A New Free Resource for School Music Teachers

Music education advocate Scott Lang has launched a new music advocacy group called Be Part of the Music to provide free resources to school music teachers.


Ontario Public Service Union Calls for End to Work Stoppage

CarePartners workers, members of The Ontario Public Service Employers Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) in Canada, have been on strike for four months trying to negotiate a new pay structure and improved sick time and health and safety provisions


Latin Grammy Leader Addresses Trump’s Comments

Following multiple Latino musicians who have spoken out against presidential candidate Donald Trump’s anti-Latino statements, Latin Recording Academy CEO Gabriel Abaroa Jr. issued a statement condemning the presidential candidate’s attacks on the Latino population.


Singer and Composer Peggy Duquesnel Gives Back

Pianist, singer, and composer Peggy Duquesnel of Locals 7 (Orange County, CA), 47 (Los Angeles, CA), and 343 (Long Beach, CA) is a musical force to be reckoned with. With more than 25 years of professional experience and a BA in music from CSU Northridge, Duquesnel has nine CDs as a featured artist.


Americana Music Association Announces Lifetime Achievement Honorees

This year’s Americana Music Association Awards will be held September 16 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.








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