Stronger Together

As a professional musician, your real strength comes from working collectively with other musicians. If you're considering becoming a member of the musicians union, ask yourself:

• Do I want to be paid fairly for my talent and skill?
• Do I want access to quality health care and pension?
• Do I want to be safe at my workplace?
• Do I want access to expert assistance if something goes wrong?

If you answered yes, you’re ready to join the union!

Serving thousands of professional musicians throughout Los Angeles, the American Federation of Musicians Local 47 promotes and protects the concerns of professional musicians in all areas of the music industry. Isolated musicians are more easily exploited and less likely to receive the benefits AFM Local 47 members enjoy — contracts that are more than just pieces of paper, health care and pension, scale wages worthy of professionals, and more.


How to Join:

  1. Download, fill out and sign the Membership Application

  2. Download, fill out and sign the Beneficiary Card

  3. Membership Dues are pro-rated by quarter. There is a one-time Local Initiation of $75 and a one-time Federation initiation fee of $65. Please call 323.993.3116 or email membership@afm47.org for the current join fee. We currently accept payments by credit/debit card over the phone, or check/money order mailed to the address below. (Please note: you are also responsible for any outstanding balance that may be on your account.)

  4. Submit your Membership Application and Beneficiary Card forms using our Secure Application Submission Form

  5. or mail hard copies of your signed forms and payment to:
    AFM Local 47
    Attn: Membership Department
    3220 Winona Ave.
    Burbank CA 91504


Youth Membership

Musicians under the age of 18 may join as Youth Members with all initiation fees waived.


New Member Orientation

All new members are required by our bylaws to attend a New Member Orientation meeting, currently being held virtually via Zoom. Sign up for a meeting here.

If you are unable to attend orientation via Zoom, you may request to complete a DIY Orientation by emailing orientation@afm47.org.


What are Union Dues?

Click here to learn about union Membership Dues and Work Dues.


Need to Update Your Membership Status?

If you are a former member wishing to become a member in good standing, please click here for more information. If you wish to resign, please click here.


What Type of Work is Covered by the Union?

Our local, national and International Agreements cover:
• Low-budget/student films
• Studio recordings
• Video games
• Live concerts
• Motion pictures
• Television
• New media
• Demos
• Commercials


Exclusive Member Benefits

There are a lot of great things that come with being an AFM member: resources to organize non-union work, the opportunity to be involved, involvement in the decision-making process at the union, access to expert help from union staff.

AFM Local 47 members also enjoy these exclusive benefits:

AFM Insurance Benefits including business liability, life, renters, disability income and more

Established Scales, Wage Protection and contract enforcement when an employer fails to pay or defaults on an agreement

Health Insurance at affordable group rates for all areas of coverage: medical, dental, vision, chiropractic

Pension through the AFM & Employers’ Pension Fund

Low-Cost Rehearsal Rooms starting at $15 per session

Free Classes & Seminars offered exclusively to members

Travel Resources for musicians

SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union, our affiliate partner, offers financial services for AFM members at competitive rates

Union Member Discounts from the AFL-CIO Union Privilege program offer special loan, mortgage, credit and legal services, and discounts on everyday purchases

Local 47 Member Directory, a convenient resource containing contact information for members listed by name and instrument

Overture Online App, our monthly digital publication spotlighting members and sharing union news