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.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM

New Releases, Products

the brown beatnik tomes

Ron Carter, The Brown Beatnik Tomes


This album is a collaboration between legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter of Local 802 (New York City) and novelist, poet, and abstract expressionist painter Danny Simmons.




sorta surviving

Tim Bluhm, Sorta Surviving


Tim Bluhm’s new full-length solo album, Sorta Surviving, is a testament to his versatility as an artist and honed skill as a songwriter.




greening the dark

Debra Cowan, Greening the Dark


Debra Cowan of Local 1000 (nongeographic) has released her sixth recording, Greening the Dark. The EP, her second collaboration with drummer Dave Mattacks of Local 9-535 (Boston, MA) as arranger and producer, contains six songs about change, loss, transformation, tragedy, and empowerment.




beyond the magik mirror

Duke Charelle, Beyond the Magik Mirror


In his new album, Beyond the Magik Mirror, Duke Charelle of Local 542 (Flint, MI) captures the material and spiritual, and all the ups and downs of life.




springsteen on broadway

Bruce Springsteen, Springsteen on Broadway


Springsteen on Broadway is the recent album of music and stories by Bruce Springsteen of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) and Local 399 (Asbury Park, NJ), and the soundtrack of the Netflix film of the same name. The album is the complete live performance of the show.




ride me back home

Willie Nelson, Ride Me Back Home


Ride Me Back Home, the latest album by Willie Nelson of Local 433 (Austin, TX) is a reflective, upbeat journey through life, of love and time’s inescapable rhythms, as viewed from Nelson’s inimitable perspective.




Weezer (Teal Album) and Weezer (Black Album)


Weezer Weezer (Teal Album) and Weezer (Black Album) The American rock band Weezer released two albums within two months of each other early this year, both named Weezer, although one is known as the “Teal Album” and one is known as the “Black Album.” The band, comprising Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) musicians Rivers Cuomo, […]




the best of everything

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: The Best of Everything 1976 – 2016


The Best of Everything is the first career-spanning collection of all of Tom Petty’s hits with The Heartbreakers, his solo work, and Mudcrutch.




western stars

Bruce Springsteen: Western Stars


Bruce Springsteen’s first studio album in five years takes his music to a new place, drawing inspiration in part from the Southern California pop records of the late ’60s and early ’70s.




flying circus

Jim Self, Flying Circus: Music for Brass Quintet


In Flying Circus, tubist Jim Self of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) compiles the many quintets he has composed from 1996-2016.










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