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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Health, Resources

2018 Brings Group Health Insurance Plan and New Members to Local 257

In December, AFM Local 257 (Nashville, TN), working with longtime health insurance advocate RJ Stillwell and his company Sound Healthcare, introduced three Blue Cross Blue Shield group health insurance plans available to members. The plans are all ACA compliant—one HSA qualified bronze plan and two silver plans.


A Drug-Free Way to a Pain-Free Back

Chronic lower back pain may be the result of trauma or repetitive overuse injuries of the spine, intervertebral discs, ligaments, joint capsules, and muscles.


Smithsonian Rock

Smithsonian Rock and Roll: Live and Unseen


Between December 2015 and August 2017 the Smithsonian called upon rock and roll lovers around the world to submit photos and stories of their favorite moments in music.




Woman Walk

Woman Walk the Line: How the Women in Country Music Changed Our Lives


A celebration of women in country, Americana, and bluegrass music, Woman Walk the Line is a collection of deeply personal essays from some of America’s most intriguing women writers




Easing Jet Lag: A Biochemist Weighs In

Advancements are on the horizon to easing jet lag. Musicians are no strangers to daytime fatigue and nighttime insomnia due to air travel.


The Pastorale

The Pastorale: 26 Pieces Composed in the Pastorale Tradition


These pieces demonstrate the history and varied heritage of the Pastorale tradition that has permeated poetry, drama, painting, and music around the world.




Social Media Promotion

Social Media Promotion for Musicians: The Manual for Marketing Yourself, Your Band, and Your Music Online


This update to Bobby Owsinski’s Social Media Promotion for Musicians will teach you how to use social media to effectively promote yourself and your music.




My Years

Music to My Years: Life and Love Between the Notes


“Music to My Years,” is about Local 47 member Artie Kane’s personal life and career as a first call pianist for Hollywood studios from 1960 through 1979.




Ludwig Milde

Ludwig Milde: 25 Studies in Scales and Chords for Bassoon Op. 24


A staple of the bassoon’s pedagogical literature, Ludwig Milde’s 25 Studies, Op. 24 was previously available only in uncorrected editions lacking content beyond the etudes themselves.




Hearing Protection Is Key for Today’s Orchestra Musicians

Studies have shown that musicians have more than three times the average risk for hearing loss. The risk of developing a music induced hearing disorder (MIHD) should be a major concern for orchestra musicians.








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