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 16, 2014
Musicians and management of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) have reached an agreement that will increase base salaries by 4.8% total over three years. This contract confirms that the orchestra has fully recovered from its bankruptcy in the mid-1990s and also the financial challenges faced during the recession. Jeff Solomon, president of Local 256-733 (Birmingham, […]
June 9, 2014
Musicians of the Phoenix Symphony have ratified a one-year agreement, six months ahead of the expiration of their current contract. The new agreement goes into effect September 15, 2014 and will cover the period through October 31, 2015. This is the fourth consecutive one-year agreement; the first included a wage freeze and the following three […]
May 15, 2014
In the latest move to come to grips with its Nazi past, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will return a neo-impressionist Paul Signac painting to its rightful owners. The Nazis looted the painting from French resistance figure and publisher Marcel Koch and gave it to the orchestra in 1940. It will be given to Koch’s heirs. […]
May 15, 2014
The Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO), which announced this in March that it was close to depleting its cash reserves, has raised enough money to finish its 2013-2014 season. MSO held several benefit concerts and received two $100,000 donations since its public appeal.
May 15, 2014
The San Diego Opera’s board of directors may take steps to try and save the company through a reorganization plan, according to a San Diego Union-Tribune report.
May 15, 2014
The Oregon Symphony announced that it brought in more than $7 million in ticket sales this season, setting an organizational record and comprising 50% of the orchestra’s budget. Ticket sale revenue was at $5.5 million at this time last year. As part of a contract negotiated last year, the musicians have been involved in working […]
May 15, 2014
The Houston Symphony reached a four-year contract agreement calling for musician salary increases of 2.85% annually, which will bring salaries to $97,240 by the end of the term. The agreement was reached ahead of schedule and goes into effect October 5. The contract will allow for additional concerts and expanded community and education activities.
April 10, 2014
In the middle of the 20th century, managers and music directors of American symphony orchestras held autocratic power over their institutions. Nowhere was this more true than in Washington, DC, where the National Symphony was performing under its second music director, Howard Mitchell. Mitchell had been the orchestra’s principal cellist when he was appointed music […]
April 5, 2014
The AFM proudly congratulates all its members who worked on Oscar-nominated films. Frozen won Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song. Its score composer, Christophe Beck, is a member of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA). Captain Phillips received six nominations, including Best Picture. Score composer Henry Jackman is a member of Local 47. Saving […]
April 1, 2014
The 3rd International Federation of Musicians (FIM) International Orchestra Conference (IOC) was held from February 24-26 in Oslo, Norway. The American Federation of Musicians sent a five-person delegation consisting of AFM President Ray Hair, AFM Symphonic Services Division Director Jay Blumenthal, International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians Chair Bruce Ridge, Regional Orchestra Players’ Association […]