Advantages Of Non-Membership

• You do not have to pay dues.

Advantages Of Membership

• AFM membership puts you on the same team with the top professionals in every area of the music business.
• Local job referral programs help you find work in your community.
• The AFM's computerized job referral service helps you find work with traveling bands.
• Membership assures you of job and wage protection if a local employer fails to pay you, cancels or cuts short your engagement or otherwise breaks a contract.
• Traveling musicians are also protected through free legal service provided by the AFM.
• Established AFM minimum wage scales and working conditions enable members to remain competitive with each other without limiting how high their earnings can be. They are also designed to prevent employers from taking unfair advantage of musicians.
• Local and internationally negotiated agreements provide you with broad protection in many fields including studio and other recording work, TV, films, concerts, stage shows, symphony, opera, and ballet work.
• Members receive the monthly International Musician, a publication filled with important information including "help wanted" and audition notices.
• The AFM provides members with local jobs sponsored or co-sponsored by the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) - unique special funds negotiated by the AFM and supported by contributions from recording companies.
• If you become disabled, you are eligible for financial help from the Lester Petrillo Fund.
• Advice and assistance is always available to travelling members via a 24 hour, toll free WATS line.
• Members are served through the AFM's offices in East Coast, West Coast, and Canadian offices.
• The AFM has a special department which licenses booking agents and assists traveling members.
• There is also a special department to assist members in the recording field (CD's, TV, video, film, and jingles).
• Another special department concentrates on assisting members working in symphony, opera and ballet orchestras.
• A complete list of AFM licensed booking agents is available to all members.
• A complete list of recording companies with which the AFM has contracts is available to all members.
• The AFM legislative program works to protect and improve your rights as a professional musician.
• As a member you are entitled to a special rate on instrument and equipment insurance.
• You also get special rates on life, hospitalization, accident and eye wear insurance.
• Plus many other AFM an Local benefits including a clear voice and vote in matters that are important to your career.

Founded in 1901, the Chicago Federation of Musicians is part of the American Federation of Musicians, founded in 1896.
We hope that this web page will help to stimulate interest and participation in the C.F. of M., and encourage membership growth and interaction. If you live in Northern Illinois, please call or fax our office for instructions on becoming a member. If you live in another area, contact the American Federation of Musicians at 1-212-869-1330 (fax: 1-212-764-6134) for the Local nearest you.