Our Story

Our history began in 1896 when musicians gathered in Indianapolis, IN and organized the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) for “any musician who receives pay for [their] musical services.” Initially representing 3,000 members, AFM was granted a charter by the American Federation of Labor (AFL). The London Musicians Association’s charter was established in 1903 as Local 279 of the American Federation of Musicians of United States and Canada (AFM). Over 120 years later, AFM musicians continue standing together to have power. Now we are 80,000 musicians strong playing in orchestras, bands, festivals, clubs and theatres—on Broadway, Mirvish Village, Stratford Festival, and on tour. We also make music for film, TV, commercials and sound recordings.

““The only object of AFM is to bring order out of chaos and to harmonize and bring together all the professional musicians of the country into one progressive body.”
Owen Miller, AFM President 1896

End of the summer music street festival co-sponsored by the Music Performance Fund.