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Why Join?

The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 90,000 musicians. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. No single musician has that power.

The AFM has a long history of service for musicians in the United States and Canada. Becoming a member of the AFM means that you become part of an organization with more than 100 years of experience in improving the lives of working musicians, and thousands of years of collective experience!

With offices in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, DC and Toronto, in addition to a network of more than 240 local unions in small and large cities throughout the United States and Canada, the AFM is everywhere you are. We have negotiated high-quality consumer benefits and services for you and your family, and have a professional staff to assist you with your professional needs.

NEW! Discounts for Members from Friends of 586!

Here are just a few of the benefits and services you are entitled to as an AFM member: (click on the title to see details)

NEW!! Friends of 586 - Your Local 586 card means discounts at local retailers!

Display your current AFM, Local 586 membership card at one of dozens of businesses in our Friends of 586 listing and receive a discount on goods and services!  From symphony tickets to dinner out to valve oil to yoga lessons, it pays to be a member!!

Low-cost instrument & liability insurance

Members are entitled to deeply discounted rates on instrument/equipment insurance and liability insurance plans specialized to meet the needs of professional musicians at home, work or on the road.

Free contracts and contract enforcement

Contracts suitable for all types of engagements are available free of charge to members.  Contracts filed with the Local assure job and wage protection if an employer fails to pay you, cancels or cuts short your engagement or otherwise breaks a contract and will be enforced by the union and it's attorneys.

Subscriptions to The International Musician and The Pitch

Members receive the AFM's monthly publication, The International Musician, filled with important information including "help wanted" and audition notices as well as The Pitch, Local 586's quarterly newsletter.

Online gig referral service

Local 586's free online gig referral service helps connect members with people seeking musicians for gigs in your area.

Music Performance Fund

The Music Performance Fund (MPF), a non-profit, tax-exempt public service organization under section 501 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code. Headquartered in New York City, MPF is the world's largest sponsor of live, admission-free musical programs. Last year, MPF presented over 10,000 performances to the people of the United States and Canada. Millions of people in major U.S. and Canadian cities and villages enjoyed instrumental music of high quality without having to buy a ticket or belong to an organization in order to gain admittance. The Fund was established in 1948 by the recording companies of North America and the American Federation of Musicians as part of their collective bargaining agreement. A small royalty on the sale of some recorded music is contributed to the Fund by signatory recording companies, and these funds are supplemented by co-sponsoring organizations. There is never an admission charge for MPF performances, and its performances cannot be used to raise money, sell merchandise, or promote political or religious events

GoPro AFM Referral Programs

The AFM provides a host of referral programs and access to licensed signatory booking agents to help, including:  www.GoProMusic.com:  List your band on the AFM live music referral site.www.GoProLessons.com:  List your services on the AFM music instructor referral service.  This online resource enables consumers to easily locate and engage AFM member music instructors.www.GoProHosting.com:  Professional web hosting services to help you develop the perfect web site.www.GoProAuction.com:  Buy or sell the perfect instrument.

Musician's Payroll, Inc

Musician's Payroll, Inc. is Local 586's payroll service allowing members to process income from employment as an independent contractor and pay unemployment payments, federal and state tax filings, disability, worker's compensation, Medicare and FICA payments.  Musician's Payroll also allows independent freelance musicians to participate in the AFM Pension Fund.  

Credit Union

Members may join Sun West Federal Credit Union, which provides a variety of backing services including instrument loans, auto loans, home equity and mortgage loans and credit cards at competitive rates.

Union Privilege

The AFL-CIO created Union Privilege to provide valuable consumer benefits and services to union members and their families.  Benefits include Union Plus Mastercard, loans, mortgage, health, travel, entertainment and legal services.  For more information visit www.unionplus.org.

Lester Petrillo Fund

If you become disabled, you may be eligible for financial help from the Lester Petrillo Fund.

Members-only access to Local 586 website

Members have access to members-only areas of www.promusicaz.org, where they can find Local 586 membership directories, wage scales and other resources

Members-only access to www.afm.org

The AFM's website provides downloadable contracts, scales and indispensable resources for any musician.

Multi-employer AFM pension plan

Employer-paid contributions to the American Federation of Musicians - Employers Pension Fund are a part of all Local 586 wage scales and are included in most contracts negotiated by Local 586.  This unique program enables musicians to make contributions to the pension fund through many different employers through the U.S.

Specialized AFM departments available for all areas of the music business

Assistance is available from special AFM departments which license booking agents, assist traveling members, members in the recording field (CD's, TV, video, film, and jingles), and members working in symphony, opera and ballet orchestras.  Lists of licensed booking agents and recording companies with which the AFM has contracts is available to all members.

Wage Scales

Established AFM and Local 586 minimum wage scales and working conditions enable members to prevent employers from taking unfair advantage of musicians.