Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, a visionary who always reminded us that racial justice and labor rights are inseparable. As musicians, we know that our strength lies in our harmony and our collective voice. Dr. King famously warned that “right to work” laws were a scam designed to destroy […]
I am pleased to advise you of the 2026 AFM Diversity Awards Program, which will be presented at the 103rd AFM Convention. The three Diversity Awards for 2026 are: the President’s Local Award, the Charles McDaniel Youth Award, and the Charles Walton Diversity Advocate Award. Please click the link below to access the award applications: The President’s […]
The AFM and President Tino Gagliardi are standing firm with the UAW following Conn-Selmer’s decision to close its Eastlake, Ohio, plant and move manufacturing to China. This move is a betrayal of the union workers who built this brand’s reputation and the musical community that relies on American-made craftsmanship. We call on Conn-Selmer to keep […]
AFM Audition Complaint Hotline: 917-229-0207 The AFM’s audition complaint hotline is available to anyone who has a concern about the way an audition was handled. Complaints about any aspect of the audition process can be made and the AFM will investigate without revealing the identity of the complainant. If appropriate, the AFM will work with […]
American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada International President Tino Gagliardi on the Washington National Opera Board’s vote: “Tonight, as the Washington National Opera (WNO) Board has voted to end its affiliation with the Kennedy Center, my focus is on supporting the Washington National Opera Orchestra. I fully expect the WNO to […]
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! May your holidays be bright and your New Year even brighter! The AFM offices will be closed Dec 24-26 and Dec 31-Jan 1.Please expect a delay in replies as our team enjoys the break. We will get back to you as quickly as possible upon our return.Happy Holidays! From the American Federation of […]
For the labor movement and for people of all stripes, 2025 has been fraught with historic challenges. Workers across both the US and Canada have demonstrated resilience and strength in the face of unprecedented attacks on labor. Despite challenges, the AFM and other unions celebrated remarkable wins in 2025. Read More https://internationalmusician.org/2025-year-in-review/
The “Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence” Executive Order directs the Trump Administration to work with Congress to “…ensure that children are protected, censorship is prevented, copyrights are respected, and communities are safeguarded.” What follows is incongruous with that premise. This EO is nothing more than a rehashing of a deeply unpopular and […]
On Tuesday, December 9, we saw clear support from the Senators on the Intellectual Property Subcommittee for the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA). Our opposition had no effective response to our call for fair compensation when our work is played on AM/FM radio. This hearing was an important step in a long process. From here, […]
The AFM is saddened by the passing of Cleto Escobedo III, bandleader of Cleto and the Cletones on Jimmy Kimmel Live! For over two decades, Cleto and his band — which notably includes his father, Cleto Jr.— provided the late-night soundtrack to millions of homes. His musical genius and lifelong friendship with Jimmy created a […]