A Collective Voice for Musicians
It is only through the combined efforts of members that Local 400 and the AFM are able to improve the position of musicians in our society. As a collective unit, we have a strong voice in collective bargaining, government lobbying, and workplace advocacy wherever musicians work. As a member, you help shape our collective future.
Professional Protection & Representation
Negotiated Agreements
International, national, and local agreements covering all types of musical work help ensure fair and timely payment, workplace protections, and—where applicable—benefits and royalties for the reuse and new use of recorded music.
Legal Contracts
A signed AFM contract provides protection for individual engagements, steady engagements, and traveling work. AFM standard contracts are available to all members and include the AFM seal. When properly completed and filed with the Local, these contracts allow union representatives to assist in collecting payments in the event of a default. Contract forms are available through the AFM website or the Local 400 office.
Claims on Default
If a purchaser defaults on payment for a contracted engagement, Local 400 and/or the AFM will work administratively to resolve the dispute. If those efforts are unsuccessful, Local 400 may pay members scale wages for the engagement while the Local and/or Federation pursues the claim through appropriate legal channels.
Legislative Representation The AFM actively advocates at the national, state, and local levels for legislation that benefits working musicians, including support for public arts funding and labor protections.
Pension & Financial Security
Pension Fund
The American Federation of Musicians’ and Employers’ Pension Fund (AFM-EPF) is one of the entertainment industry’s largest pension funds, with more than half a billion dollars in assets. Each year, millions of dollars are paid to participating musicians. Members may also arrange for employers to contribute up to 15% of wages earned under AFM contracts toward pension contributions. For more information and plan documents, visit AFM-EPF
Insurance Protection
Professional musicians depend on their instruments, equipment, and physical well-being to earn a living. AFM membership provides access to several valuable insurance programs.
Instrument & Equipment Insurance
The AFM “All-Risk” Musician Instrument and Equipment Insurance Plan protects instruments and music-related equipment against theft, vandalism, breakage, fire, water damage, and other covered losses up to full replacement value.
Musician’s Liability Insurance
Members may obtain liability coverage protecting them during performances, with coverage of up to $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate for bodily injury or property damage claims arising from performances.
Additional Insurance Programs
Additional low-cost insurance options include:
- Accidental death and dismemberment
- Group term life insurance
- Cancer care protection
- Hospital indemnity plans
- Catastrophic major medical coverage
- Major medical insurance plans
- Disability income plans
- Short-term medical insurance
For more information on insurance products, please log in to the members area of the AFM website, and scroll down to the “Insurance Products” section.
Career Development & Professional Services
Federation-Sponsored Booking & Referral Service
AFM Entertainment is the official AFM booking and referral service. The platform connects musicians with performance opportunities including weddings, private parties, and corporate events. Members can create artist profiles, promote their groups, and secure engagements using AFM-approved contracts that provide additional booking protection. Freelance musicians and bandleaders are encouraged to register their groups or acts.
Venuology
The AFM created Venuology to help musicians share information about music venues — alerting them to clubs that don’t treat musicians well, and also those that do. With this website, the AFM hopes musicians will have an easier time deciding where to perform — and as a result, that venues will feel more pressure to improve pay, sound quality or other problems. The reviews on this site are written by Venuology users — in other words, musicians! Venue reviews are subjective and you’re the best judge of the credibility of each review. Any musician can review a venue he or she has played at — joining Venuology is free and anonymous. Visit https://venuology.org/ to learn more.
Exclusive Member Services
AFM GoPro Tunes
AFM GoPro Tunes allows members to sell recorded music online while retaining 100% of sales revenue, minus credit card processing fees.
AFM GoPro Hosting
AFM GoPro Hosting provides affordable web hosting specifically designed for musicians and AFM members. Many members save hundreds of dollars annually by switching to this service.
Member Discounts & Savings
Union Plus Benefits As a union member, you are eligible for the many programs and discounts offered through Union Plus, including:
- Travel and recreation discounts
- Prescription savings
- Legal services
- Auto insurance
- Home and technology discounts
- AFL-CIO endorsed credit card programs
- Member Advocacy Program benefits
Information & Resources
International Musician Subscription
All members in good standing receive a free subscription to International Musician, the official monthly publication of the AFM. The publication includes:
- Industry and labor news
- Educational resources
- Audition notices
- Employment opportunities
- Information relevant to professional musicians
Members may also access current and archived issues online through the private members area of the AFM website.