“Being part of a union is a special privilege and lets you feel part of something greater than yourself.”
– Norman Ludwin, Bassist
Member since 1975
Read more member testimonials, and share your own answer, at WhyUnion.org.
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“A unified voice makes for a happier workplace.”
– Rachel Berry, Horn
Member since 1995
“Without the tremendous support of the Musicians Union, Local 47, the 68-member Symphonic Jazz Orchestra would not exist. The challenge of combining a symphony and a jazz band to perform newly commissioned music blending jazz, classical and other genres was met with the creation of a specially tailored CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement). The Union’s flexibility to work with our unique ensemble allows us to perform and record this special hybrid music with the finest musicians on the planet.”
– Mitch Glickman, Conductor/Composer
Member since 1984
“Joining the Musicians Union is the moment when you become a professional musician. The Union is your support team that helps to manage the business side of music making leaving you more time and energy to pursue your artistic and career success. Wages, working conditions, health insurance, pension, dispute resolution, and Intellectual Property Rights protection… there is no practical way a musician can enjoy all those benefits without the being a member of the Musicians’ Union.”
– Joseph Stone, Oboist
Member since 1980
The AFM represents the single most viable organization representing professional musicians of all genres and backgrounds to be treated fairly and to receive the benefits of collective bargaining.
The alternative is to essentially become pawns, each of us fending for ourselves, with nowhere to turn if we are hurt, treated unfairly on the job, or unpaid for our work. Continue reading
“It’s important for musicians to have (legal) representation for matters that we ourselves can’t or handle ourselves. Also all the other resources — e.g., contracts, education, directory of other musicians — are a must.”
– Robert Burns, Trumpet
Member since 1992
Whether our work is on stage, in a pit, on a scoring stage or a studio, whether we’re playing in a restaurant or a hotel ballroom, union coverage means we’re not alone. Getting the right money, health and safety protections, protections for the use of our music when others use it, access to health care and pension benefits are all important.
Perhaps the most important aspect of our union is that it is made up of us — musicians. We can vote on our contracts, work with our Local and the AFM for the help we need, have a voice in public policy in areas that affect our lives.
Imagine what our world would be without our contracts, without our union, musicians out there in the workplace alone. If we agree that we need a musicians union, our participation is what makes it happen.
– Marc Sazer, Violinist
Member since 1980
Years before I joined Local 47, I was already well aware of the power of the Musicians Union. At the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, where I was assistant manager, I tended to side with the musicians on labor issues, which did not make me very popular with management. Much longer story here but that’s for another time. Some of the members of Local 1 actually asked me to run for president. Honored, but not something I could take on at the time. Continue reading
“These are great professional people.”
– Howie Rich, Bassist
AFM 47 Member since 1974
“Because I have been a member of the union for my whole career I have been provided with health insurance, a pension, helpful guidance releasing my own CDs, workplace protections, and assurance that I will be paid for my work in a timely manner.”
– Alan Kaplan, Trombonist
Member since 1970