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.
August 1, 2018
When the Pokrovsky Opera orchestra musicians were not allowed to bring their instrument cases on board their flight from Latvia to Moscow, Russia, they improvised.
August 1, 2018
The Nashville Symphony Orchestra and its musicians, members of Local 257 (Nashville, TN), have announced a new four-year contract that goes into effect August 1.
August 1, 2018
In June, Spokane Symphony management and its musicians, members of Local 105 (Spokane, WA), ratified a new three-year contract.
May 14, 2018
If you are a musician in an AFM represented symphony orchestra, you rely upon the services of one or more professional music librarians who ensure that you have legible, accurately marked sheet music on your stand at all rehearsals and performances, and that parts are made available to you in advance so you can arrive at the first rehearsal for a new program prepared for the work ahead. For some musicians, that is the extent of their interaction with their orchestra librarians.
April 20, 2018
For at least 30 years, we at Local 7 (Orange County, CA) have been scratching our heads wondering why unions that bargain with Disneyland don’t put their heads together, exchange information, and support one another. As it turns out, other unions have been thinking the same thing.
April 2, 2018
Musicians and management of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra announced in early March that they had reached agreement on a three-year contract extension through the 2020-2021 season. Reflecting a renewed sense of collaboration and trust between the two sides, the negotiation process was conducted quietly and the agreement was reached six months ahead of schedule.
April 2, 2018
After 10 months of negotiations between Local 9-535 (Boston, MA)—along with the negotiating committee—and representatives of the Cape Symphony Board, the Cape Symphony is now a union orchestra. Musicians voted 59 to one to ratify the first contract for the symphony that was founded in 1962.
April 2, 2018
In August, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra ratified a new three-year contract agreement that began September 1, 2017 and is effective through August 31, 2020. The orchestra’s musicians are members of Local 256-733 (Birmingham, AL).
April 2, 2018
In March, musicians and management of the New York Philharmonic approved a new three-year contract. Musicians will see a 4.5% salary increase over three years. The musicians, members of Local 802 (New York City) will contribute more toward their health care costs.
April 2, 2018
On March 1, the Canadian Federation of Musicians launched the first Canadian Music Industry Anti-Harassment Summit in Toronto. Canadian Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly addressed the Summit via Skype.