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 band's visit

The Band’s Visit: Original Broadway Cast Recording


The award-winning Broadway musical The Band’s Visit is based on a 2007 Israeli film of the same name. It tells the story of a group of Egyptian musicians, the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra, who come to Israel to perform and end up getting stuck overnight in the wrong town.




chinese butterfly

The Chick Corea & Steve Gadd Band, Chinese Butterfly


The bond between Local 802 (New York City) members Chick Corea and Steve Gadd goes back more than 50 years. The two-disc album Chinese Butterfly is a result of the two musicians’ long-held desire to work together more intensely.




Riser


Dierks Bentley Seven albums into his career, Riser was a defining album for 14-time Grammy nominated country singer/songwriter, restauranteur, and philanthropist Dierks Bentley, of Local 257 (Nashville, TN). The album’s blend of down-home party music and introspective ballads resulted in one of the most personal of his career, garnering rave reviews, critical accolades and chart-topping […]




tyranoscorus rex

John Rodby, Tyranoscorus Rex


Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member John Rodby makes reference to his aversion to the use of computers in composition and orchestration with the title Tyranoscorus Rex.




messiah

Concert Artists of Baltimore Symphonic Chorale / Baltimore Symphony Orchestra / Edward Polochick, Handel: Messiah


This recording of Handel’s “Messiah” features the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, members of Local 40-543 (Baltimore, MD), the Concert Artists of Baltimore Symphonic Chorale, Soprano Jennifer O’Loughlin, Alto Diana Moore, Tenor Nicholas Phan, and Bass Sidney Outlaw.




John Legend

John Legend, A Legendary Christmas


John Legend of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) released his first-ever holiday album, featuring eight holiday classics, such as “Silver Bells” and “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” as well as six new holiday tunes.




renascence

Mike Daly, Renascence


Renascence is defined as the revival of something that has been dormant. This is the third solo album from musician, songwriter, and producer Mike Daly of Local 257 (Nashville, TN).




pretty bird

Kathy Mattea, Pretty Bird


This is the first new album in six years for the Local 257 (Nashville, TN) member. Though Kathy Mattea has enjoyed two Grammy wins, four CMA Awards, four number one country singles, five gold albums, and a platinum greatest hits album, her continued career was in doubt when her voice began to change a few years ago.




John Carter Cash, We Must Believe in Magic


“No matter our path, the magic is inside us all. And though it may be forgotten, it can be remembered once again … It is only up to us to do one single thing, and do it purely … believe,” says Local 257 (Nashville, TN) member John Carter Cash.




Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes, Shawn Mendes


Making the transition from teen star to career musician, the Local 149 (Toronto, ON) member’s self-titled album has Mendes trying different styles and collaborating with a number of well-known artists.










NEWS