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.
AFM Limited Pressing Agreement Percussionist and Americana roots singer/songwriter Vince Santoro of Local 257 (Nashville, TN), steps off the sidelines and into the spotlight with his debut solo album, Exposed. Santoro’s been performing with former member of the band The Rascals Felix Cavaliere, also of Local 257, for 20 years. Here, he takes the lead on […]
AFM Joint Venture Agreement Jazz guitarist and bassist Vince Lewis, vice president of Local 674 (Covington-Lewisburg, VA), started performing professionally at age 14 when he joined Local 136 (Charleston, WV). He’s been an in-demand headliner, session player, jazz educator, and active union member ever since. Lewis has recorded 20 CDs as both leader and sideman. […]
We extend our warmest congratulations to all AFM members who were nominated for this year’s Canadian JUNO Awards and East Coast Music Awards! Your dedication to your craft and the incredible talent you bring to the Canadian music scene are truly inspiring. It’s a testament to the vibrant and diverse musical landscape of our country. […]
Lelo Garcia (Joint Venture Agreement) Brazilian-born guitarist Lelo Garcia has had a rich 24-year career, having played with acclaimed artists internationally and throughout the US. Now a member of Local 389 (Orlando, FL), he is on track to become a voting member of the Latin Recording Academy. On the 10 tracks on his first album, […]
The Belltower (AFM Local Limited Pressing Agreement) On his EP, Watching Time, international touring guitarist-singer Chris Bell of Local 433 (Austin, TX) performs three of his original songs, featuring a few of his favorite players in Austin. “It is definitely an Austin sound, which means the blues and country influences are front and center,” he says. […]
Si Kahn and George Mann (AFM National Recording Agreement) Musicians and veteran activists Si Kahn and George Mann, both of Local 1000 (Nongeographic), released this collection of labor movement songs in celebration of Kahn’s 80th birthday. The newly recorded tracks feature special guests Local 1000 members John McCutcheon, Joe Jencks, and Tom Chapin; Kathy Mattea of […]
Delirium Street Party Brass Limited Pressing Recording This ensemble from Local 547 (Calgary, AB) delivers a fresh take on the increasingly popular brass band genre. Anchored by the low bass line from the sousaphone, Delirium Street Party Brass blends elements from world street brass and percussion traditions—especially New Orleans—but in a live pop format. Musicians […]
Terry Klinefelter On her newest CD, pianist Terry Klinefelter of Local 45 (Allentown, PA) shines a spotlight on the work of much-admired composers and friends David Bennett Thomas, Ron Thomas, and Grammy-nominated composer Clarice Assad. The solo piece, “Tarry Not,” written for Klinefelter by Bennett Thomas in 2011, is a large-scale structure with stark virtuosity. […]
August 31, 2024
Musician Elise Witt of Local 1000 (Nongeographic) uses singing and songwriting to teach students English and says, “Sometimes a concept that is hard for students to grasp becomes easy when we write a song about it.” In 2009, she became the founder of the music program at Global Village Project (GVP), a middle school for teenage refugee girls […]
The Tamburo Mia is a nesting drum set that blends portability with versatility and sound quality. Designed for drummers on the move, each of the kit’s drum shells fit seamlessly and simultaneously within the bass drum, transforming it into an easily transportable package. The shells are constructed from high-quality materials, producing rich, full-bodied tones with […]