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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International Musician, Music Business, Traveling Musician

Touring/Theatre/Booking Division

On the Road Again: 2021-2022 Season Saw 22 Pamphlet B Shows Touring by George Fiddler, AFM Director of Touring/Theatre/Booking Division and Assistant to the President This month’s Theater issue features a cover story about Julie Ferrara of Local 802 (New York City), reed player on the current Frozen tour and steward for its 11-member orchestra. […]


TMA Welcomes New Chapters and Members

by Heather Boehm, Theatre Musicians Association President and Member of Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL) As of spring 2022, musical theater is at a crossroads. As we emerge from the shutdown and extensions put in place over the last few years, dedicated musicians and local officers throughout the Federation are in the process of bargaining nearly […]


When It Comes to Air Travel, Preparation Is Key to Keeping Your Instrument Safe

Commercial air travel with a musical instrument can be a challenging and nerve-wracking experience. Handing over luggage is one thing, but a valuable instrument is quite another. With advance preparation, that is, reviewing airline regulations and following these guidelines, the process can go much more smoothly—and reduce your stress in this new age of air […]


Musicians Return to the Pit as Touring Shows Reopen

by Tino Gagliardi, AFM Director of Theatre, Touring, and Booking Division It’s been a long time coming, but after 18 months, Broadway’s touring shows have finally reopened. Officially, the pandemic has not been declared “over,” but touring musicians, on-location musicians, stagehands, and production crews are returning to work. In 2020, 23 AFM-covered touring productions were […]


Electronic Replacement: A Challenge for All Musicians

by Heather Boehm, Theatre Musicians Association President and Member of Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL) As box-office hit musicals return, we’re thankful for the artistically fulfilling repertoire and stable paycheck they provide for musicians. However, we are being challenged as our theater contracts must address modern music software and programming technology¬ (devices such as KeyComp, Ableton, […]


Calling All College Students: If You Want a Career, Look to the AFM

A while back I had an opportunity to speak to students at the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam, about the business of music. It was an interesting experience. The questions were fast and furious. The energy and enthusiasm were contagious. Many of the students weren’t aware of the American Federation of Musicians and the benefits of being a member of the AFM going forward into a career in music.


A Guide to Easy Border Crossing

Crossing a border to work in a foreign country can be nerve-wracking if you are not prepared. With preparation, you can ensure easy border crossing while on tour.


2017 Touring Show Update

The touring show season has begun and thus we have a 2017 traveling show update of the new productions that are premiering and starting their season.


Elvis Live In Concert Celebrates the Career of Elvis with a Live Symphony Orchestra

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley, Elvis Live in Concert a tour of Elvis performing with a live studio orchestra, was made.


Musicians Return to the Bandstand, The Circus Is Back in Town

The Big Apple Circus band musicians return to their bandstand with an improved three-year AFM contract negotiated by Local 802 (New York City).








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