Are you thinking of joining a musician union in Los Angeles?
There are a few unions in LA that offer a range of benefits and resources depending on the type of music you play or work you do.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular unions in the area and what they have to offer.
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🤔 Considerations Before Joining a Musicians Union
Before committing, make sure the union aligns with your career path and the types of gigs you want.
Example: A film composer might benefit more from SAG-AFTRA membership, while a violinist auditioning for the LA Phil will likely look at AFM Local 47.
Ask yourself:
- What instrument or role do I perform most often?
- Do major employers in my niche require union membership?
- Am I auditioning for orchestras, touring companies, or broadcast gigs that mandate union affiliation?
- Do the benefits, costs, and networking opportunities outweigh the dues?
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🟦 American Federation of Musicians, Local 47 (AFM 47)
Best for: Instrumentalists, orchestral players, session musicians, and recording artists in LA.
The American Federation of Musicians, Local 47 represents 7,000+ musicians in the Los Angeles area. It’s the go-to union for orchestral and recording work.
Key Benefits:
- Health insurance, pension plans, and legal representation
- Discounted rehearsal studio space
- Workshops, training sessions, and networking events
- Union Plus discounts on travel, insurance, and more
- Exclusive job board with LA music gigs
Membership Requirements:
Demonstrate professional musical ability + pay an initiation fee.
Advocacy Spotlight – Fairer Streaming Royalties:
AFM 47 is actively pushing for streaming residuals for musicians on film/TV projects, helping grow the Pension Fund for all vested members.
🕺 SAG-AFTRA for Musicians
Best for: Recording artists, broadcast performers, and TV/film session players.
SAG-AFTRA primarily represents actors and broadcasters — but also covers recording artists, voice actors, and session singers.
Key Benefits:
- Health insurance and pension plans
- Access to casting calls and broadcast-related job listings
- Negotiated minimum pay rates for members
- Discounts on travel, entertainment, and legal services
- Courses and workshops for performance and career growth
Why Musicians Join:
SAG-AFTRA negotiates fair wages and residual payments for work in recorded media, including commercials, TV shows, and streaming content.
🎼 American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)
Best for: Classical musicians, opera singers, dancers, and stage managers.
AGMA represents performers in the classical and performing arts world.
Key Benefits:
- Health insurance, pensions, and legal support
- Job listings and audition opportunities for opera and dance companies
- Advocacy for fair contracts and safe working conditions
If your work centers on opera, ballet, or classical stage performance, AGMA provides the most relevant protections and network.
🤝 AFM & SAG-AFTRA Collaboration
These two unions co-manage a royalty fund that pays session musicians and vocalists when music plays on services like Pandora, SiriusXM, and international broadcasters.
2022 Snapshot:
- $62M distributed to 42,000+ musicians and singers
- Average payment ≈ $1,500 per artist
❓ FAQs
What does a musicians’ union do?
They negotiate wages, set working conditions, and offer benefits like health care, pensions, legal aid, and professional development.
Which music unions operate in Los Angeles?
- AFM Local 47: Broad coverage for all instruments and recording work.
- SAG-AFTRA: For recording artists and performers in broadcast/film.
- AGMA: For classical musicians, opera singers, and dancers.
Do I have to join a union to work as a musician in LA?
Not always — but certain employers, orchestras, and broadcast productions require it.
📌 Takeaways
If you’re a professional musician in Los Angeles, union membership can protect your rights, secure better pay, and expand your network.
- Choose AFM Local 47 if you’re an instrumentalist or session musician.
- Choose SAG-AFTRA if you work in recorded/broadcast media.
- Choose AGMA if you’re in classical or stage performance.