Youth Member:


Annual Dues: $130.00
Semi-Annual Dues: $65.00
Pro-Rated First Time Dues: $32.50 per quarter
Initiation Fees: Waived

A person twenty (20) years of age or younger may apply to join The Local as a Youth Member without paying either a Federation Initiation Fee (FIF) or Local Initiation Fee (LIF). The Member may remain as a Youth Member until they reach the age of twenty-one (21), at which time they will become a Regular Member at no additional cost (no FIF or LIF). The membership application of a person younger than sixteen (16) must be attested to by the parent or guardian of the applicant and approved by the American Federation of Musicians. A Youth Member shall be entitled to all rights, privileges, and benefits of a Regular Member and will be required to pay Local dues. 

Student Member:


Annual Dues: $130.00
Semi-Annual Dues: $65.00
Pro-Rated First Time Dues: $32.50 per quarter
Initiation Fees: Waived

A person who is registered as a student in an accredited school, college, or university may apply to join The Local as a Student Member without paying either The Federation Initiation Fee (FIF) or the Local Initiation Fee (LIF). A Student Member may establish their residency within The Local’s jurisdiction using either their parent(s)/guardian(s) permanent address or the physical address of the school where the student is enrolled. A Student Member shall remain in that classification until they are no longer a student, at which time they will become a Regular Member at no additional cost (no FIF or LIF). A Student Member shall be entitled to all rights, privileges, and benefits of a Regular Member and will be required to pay Local dues. 

The Charles McDaniel Youth Award


The Charles McDaniel Youth Award is for any member between 16 to 35 years old who has shown accomplishment as a young, upcoming musician in their Local and throughout their community.

All applications must come from the Local. Locals must have an awards nomination/review committee consisting of at least three people or the Local’s Executive Board. All applications must be submitted from the local to the AFM president’s office.

Charles McDaniel Youth Award Application


Music Performance Trust Fund Scholarships

Music’s Future Scholarship
  •  Be enrolled in one of the following music degree programs:
    • Music Performance
    • Music Therapy
    • Music Education
    • Conducting
  • Obtain good academic standing, at least a 2.0 gpa
  • Submit two letters of reference
    • Personal reference
    • Professor reference
  • Resume
  • Personal statement
  • Prior semester transcript (either HS diploma or College Transcript) Unofficial is fine
  • The prompt for this year: As a music student, in what ways do you anticipate that your future career will be influenced by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI)?

Music Family Scholarship

  • Have at least one parent in good standing as a member of an AFM Local.
  • Be currently enrolled or accepted into an institute of higher education for the fall of 2024
  • Submit a headshot
  • Personal essay of approximately 500-750 words
  • The prompt for this year: In what ways have you integrated AI into your student experience, and how do your foresee these implementations shaping your future career?

Other Member Benefits


The AFM provides benefits that appeal to youth and students such as web hosting from GoPro Hosting starting at $19.00 a year, and bandwidth is always unlimited. You can simplify your life and register your domain name with the AFM as well; everything is billed and managed from the same company.


Visit the Member Benefits and Services page to learn how more youth and students can take advantage of a union membership.