When working as a freelance musician you're your own boss, but that can also mean unpredictable pay, no benefits, and little protection. That's where the AFM and Local 374 have your back.
Get Paid Fairly - Every Time
Tired of chasing down payments or dealing with vague agreements? As a Local 374 member, you can download and use AFM contracts to ensure you get paid fairly and on time - with the union ready to support you if something goes wrong.
Road Gig Emergency Travel Assistance Program
Road Gig offers emergency assistance to get to the next gig or back home if a contracted engagement is canceled, or if the purchaser/employer defaults on the contract.
Immigration Assistance
For cross-border engagements, the AFM works with the governments of both contries to obtain work visas in either location covering single engagements or tours. Want to perform in Canada? Read information for AFM members from the USA performing in Canada.
Discounts
Creditworthy AFM members can qualify for the AFM credit card with no annual fee and a low interest rate. Members also qualify for Union Plus benefits, including discounts on mortgages, health insurance, prescription drugs and more.
Low Cost Web Hosting
How does website hosting for $19 a year with no ads sound? Local 374 members have access to the AFM's GoPro web hosting service and domain registration with hosting plans starting at only $19 per year.
Musicians' Liability Insurance
Get up to $1 million for each occurrence and up $2 million of aggregate coverage for lawsuits arising out of bodily injury and/or damage to property of others when performing.
Equipment Insurance
The AFM offers an "all-risk" musical instrument and equipment insurance plan that protects your gear from vandalism, breakage, water, fire, lightning, and theft up to the full replacement value.
Legislative Representation
The AFM sponsors and lobbys initiatives that address labor law, copyright and intellectual property laws, public funding for the arts, flying with musical instruments, and more.
Access to Pension Benefits
Freelance musicians who are Local 374 members can participate in the AFM-EPF pension fund - One of the largest pension funds in the entertainment industry with more than $1.8 billion in assets. This is a major perk most independent musicians don't get.
Get Paid for Reuse & Recording Work
Did you know freelance musicians on AFM recording contracts earn residual payments when their work is reused in film, TV, or streaming? Non-union players often miss out entirely.
More Gigs & Networking
Local 374 offers a musician referral service to connect freelancers with potential employers, union-only gigs through the Music Performance Trust Fund, and collaboration opportunities. As a local 374 member you can create your own listings on AFM Entertainment, the union's online booking service.
Resources to Grow Your Career
From business workshops to contract templates and tax guidance, the AFM gives freelancers the tools to manage their careers like pros.
Power in Numbers
The AFM gives freelance musicians a collective voice to fight for better pay, fair treatment, and recognition in a music world that often undervalues freelancers.