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.
November 1, 2025
AFM Director of Organizing Gabe Kristal visited Local 555 (San Juan, PR) in October to lead the inaugural “Play Your Part” training and education sessions for freelance musicians. The joint Freelance Services and Organizing Department program focuses on specific ways musicians can fight for their rights and highlights the benefits of joining the AFM.
Based on this meeting, Local 555 freelance musicians decided to form the Indie Musicians’ Organizing Committee, which aims to protect Puerto Rico’s rich musical tradition.
“The experience was full of energy and hope, where musicians were able to share experiences and discuss the important issues that our freelance musicians face. This was the first step to creating solidarity and the creation of an active community to fight together as a group for what is fair for the musicians of the island,” says Local 555 President Fermin Segarra-Cordero. “It is an honor to work for our musicians of Puerto Rico. This is only the beginning of something that will change the way music is made on the island for the better! If you want to get there fast, go alone. If you want to get far, go together!”
If you are interested in learning more about presenting “Play Your Part” to your local, contact Director of Freelance Services Wages Argott at wargott@afm.org.

El Director de Organización de la AFM Gabe Kristal visitó la Local 555 (San Juan, PR) en octubre para dirigir las sesiones inaugurales de capacitación «Toca Juntarnos» para músicos independientes. El programa se centra en maneras específicas en que los músicos pueden luchar por sus derechos y destaca los beneficios de unirse a la AFM.
En dicha reunión los músicxs decidieron que lo más apropiado sería formar el Comité Organizador de Músicxs Independientes para así proteger la cultura musical de Puerto Rico de manera digna.
«Fue una experiencia llena de energía y esperanza, donde compartimos experiencias y discutimos los puntos importantes para nuestra comunidad de músicxs independientes, con esto solidificamos los primeros pasos para crear una comunidad solidaria y activa para luchar juntos como grupo por lo que es justo para los músicos de nuestra isla». Fermín Segarra-Cordero, presidente del Local 555, afirma: «Es un honor poder trabajar para nuestros músicxs de Puerto Rico, es solo el comienzo de una gestión que cambiará la manera en que se hace música en la isla para bien! Si quieres llegar rápido, ve solo. Si quieres llegar lejos, ve acompañado!»
Si está interesado en aprender más sobre cómo presentar «Toca Juntarnos» en su local, comuníquese con el Director de Servicios para Músicos Independientes Wages Argott en wargott@afm.org.