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.

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Organizing

RMA General Conference Highlights

The 2018 Recording Musicians Association (RMA) General Conference met November 2-3 at Local 802 in New York City. Delegates from New York, Nashville, and Los Angeles gathered to share reports, discuss issues, hear from local and AFM officers and staff, and hold elections.


Theatre Musicians Gather in LA to Examine the Future of Musical Theatre

The 23rd annual Theatre Musicians Association conference was held this past August at the new AFM Local 47 office in Burbank, California. It was a day and a half of interesting and informative addresses, presentations, and discussions.


CFM Supports and Participates in Folk Music Ontario Conference

On September 27-29, representatives from the Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) took part in the Folk Music Ontario Conference (FMO).


Breakout Groups Bring ICSOM Conference Delegates Together

The 56th annual ICSOM Conference was hosted by the musicians of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Local 1 on August 22 – 25, 2018.


2018 OCSM-OMOSC Conference Offers Timely Discussions

The 43rd annual Conference of the Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians (OCSM) was held August 13-17 at the Hotel Pur in Quebec City, Quebec. The Players’ Association of the Orchestre Symphonique de Quebec hosted the conference.


Delegates from 89 Orchestras Meet at 2018 ROPA Conference

At the 2018 ROPA Conference, held July 31-August 2, delegates gained knowledge from peers and experts in our industry, covering the topics of negotiating, union organizing, interpersonal relationships, musician self-care, financial health, and the overall state of our profession.


AFM Leadership Meets Representatives at LCC/PCC Conference

On June 17-18, the LCC/PCC Conference was held at the Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Saturday began with a meeting of AFM leadership and staff with delegates from both the LCC and PCC.


Partnering with Our Communities

Being accessible and vital partners in our communities is key to the success of our International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) orchestras.


ROPA’s 34th Annual Conference: Working with Other Player Conferences and the AFM

The Regional Orchestra Players’ Association will hold its 34th annual conference in Portland, Oregon, July 31-August 2. The conference will be held at University Place Hotel & Conference Center, on the campus of Portland State University. Our conference will feature presentations on a variety of subjects of interest to our members, including hearing wellness, sexual harassment, performance anxiety, and diversity and inclusiveness in our orchestras, opera, and ballet companies.


Internal Organizing in Our ICSOM Orchestras

The cohesive internal organization of an orchestra is the foundation of a strong bargaining unit.








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