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.
May 31, 2025
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.
We’re especially proud to celebrate the AFM members who took home awards at these prestigious ceremonies.
Held March 30 in Vancouver, BC
Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Nemahsis of Local 293 (Hamilton, ON)
Group of the Year: The Beaches of Local 149 (Toronto, ON)
Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble): Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie, Toronto Symphony Orchestra of Local 149 (Toronto, ON)
Classical Album of the Year (Small Ensemble): Rituæls, Collectif9, Chloé Chabanole of Local 293 (Hamilton, ON), Scott Chancey, John Corban, Yubin Kim, Andrea Stewart, all of Local 406 (Montreal, PQ)
Jazz Album of the Year (Solo): Montreal Jazz Series 1 (Échanges Synaptiques), André Leroux of Local 406 (Montreal, PQ)
Traditional Roots Album of the Year: Retro Man … More and More (Expanded Edition), Jake Vaadeland of Local 553 (Saskatoon, SK)
Vocal Jazz Album of the Year: Hello! How Are You? Caity Gyorgy of Local 547 (Calgary, AB)
Blues Album of the Year: This Old Life, Big Dave McLean of Local 547 (Calgary, AB)
Adult Alternative Album of the Year: Inuktitut, Elisapie of Local 406 (Montreal, PQ)
Alternative Album of the Year: Verbathim, Nemahsis of Local 293 (Hamilton, ON)
Rock Album of the Year: Set Your Pussy Free, NOBRO of Local 406 (Montreal, PQ)
Underground Dance Single of the Year: Bamboo, Ciel of Local 149 (Toronto, ON)
Electronic Album of the Year: This But More, Priori of Local 406 (Montreal, PQ)
Children’s Album of the Year: Penny Penguin, Raffi of Local 145 (Vancouver, BC)
Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year: Restore, Ryan Ofei of Local 180 (Ottawa, ON)
Held May 7-11 in St. John’s, NL
Album of the Year: Expansion, Vishtèn Connexions, Pascal Miousse of Local 571 (Halifax, NS)
Folk Release of the Year and Fusion Release of the Year: “Kouma,” Vishtèn Connexions, Pascal Miousse of Local 571 (Halifax, NS)
Instrumental Release of the Year: “The Simple Life,” Arrangement for Violin & String Orchestra by Andrew Downing of Local 149 (Toronto, ON) and Mark Fewer of Local 149 (Toronto, ON)
Roots Release of the Year: “Already Gone,” Quote The Raven, Jordan Coaker of Local 820 (St. John’s, NL)
Kirsten Rodden-Clarke of Local 1000 (Nongeographic)
TD Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year: Kellie Loder of Local 820 (St. John’s, NL)
TD Fans’ Choice Video of the Year: Kellie Loder “Can’t Go Back” of Local 820
(St. John’s, NL)