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.
July 2, 2018
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.
March 1, 2018
The cohesive internal organization of an orchestra is the foundation of a strong bargaining unit.
February 1, 2018
I recently had the privilege to represent the AFM at several International Federation of Musicians (FIM) workshops in Latin America.
February 1, 2018
In 1980, I proudly joined AFM Local 369 (Las Vegas, NV). At that time, every hotel and casino that had a showroom contracted union musicians.
January 16, 2018
The viral spread of the #MeToo campaign denouncing sexual assault and harassment demonstrates that almost no one is immune to sexual harassment and no one reporting it should feel alone. The campaign has also exposed the unfortunate truth that instances of sexual harassment appear to be pervasive throughout American culture, including in the arts and entertainment community.
September 1, 2017
The Artist Rights Caucus of Local 802 (New York City) congratulates AFM President Ray Hair and the AFM’s negotiating team on the impressive gains won in the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA).
December 1, 2016
This December caps off another busy year for the AFM. In addition to a number of key negotiations and lobbying for legislation beneficial to our members, 2016 marked the historic 100th AFM Convention, held in June.
November 22, 2016
The two words that I feel best describe the changes I’ve noticed in musical theatre are curiosity and diversity. Composers and performers are curious about different musical genres, styles, and eras, and performing artists are diverse in their skill set—even reaching beyond musical performance to other performing arts disciplines.
October 24, 2016
The 54th International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) Conference was held August 24-27, at the Loews-Madison Hotel in Washington, DC.
September 30, 2016
In each federal election year, the major parties create a national caucus that comes together to outline their party’s legislative-political principles and goals. The resulting document is commonly referred to as the “party platform.” In most instances, the platform reflects the ideals upon which a party would govern, while also underscoring principles and policies that it has previously embraced and operated under.