Join AFM Local 257
Strength in numbers for Nashville musicians.
The Nashville Musicians Association represents more than 2,400 of Music City's finest musicians, including symphony players, studio musicians, road players, teachers, singer-songwriters, bandleaders, arrangers, and producers. If you want more leverage, more protection, and more support in your career, this is where you belong.
- 2 simple forms Complete the membership application and the Local 257 funeral benefit form.
- 2026 Q2 total $402.50 for new-member dues, with special discounted rates available for some musicians.
- Need guidance? Call or email for help choosing the right rate and getting your paperwork finished quickly.
Why musicians join
It's about solidarity.
Your real strength in the music business comes from working and bargaining collectively with other musicians. Local 257 keeps an open ear to the needs of members and adapts to the realities of today's music business so you do not have to navigate it alone.
Protect your work
Union membership helps you protect yourself, your music, and your livelihood with the backing of a strong professional organization.
Bargain from strength
Collective action gives working musicians more leverage than trying to negotiate every challenge solo.
Join a real community
Become part of one of the strongest and most productive AFM locals in the country, right here in Music City.
Member benefits
Support that pays off on stage, in the studio, and between gigs.
Membership is not just a card. It is access to practical resources that can save money, reduce risk, and help you keep working.
Work and rehearsal resources
- Free use of the rehearsal hall with full backline.
- Industry support from a local built for working musicians.
- See rehearsal hall details
Financial and emergency help
- Access to the Local 257 Emergency Relief Fund.
- Access to the AFM Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund for disabled members.
- Group health insurance access through Sound Healthcare.
Discounts and everyday value
- Discounts on instrument insurance and other services.
- Union Plus and other AFM member discount programs.
- Explore member benefits
2026 dues
Know the cost before you apply.
Dues are prorated each quarter. The amounts below reflect second-quarter 2026 new-member dues. If you have been an AFM member before, one initiation fee is waived. If you are a student or part of a band, you may qualify for a discounted rate.
| New Member Dues for 2026 (Prorated for 2nd quarter) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Local Annual Dues | $135.00 |
| Federation Per Capita | $49.50 |
| Funeral Benefit Assessment | $48.00 |
| Emergency Relief Fund ($3) and Building Fund ($2) | $5.00 |
| Federation Initiation Fee | $65.00 |
| Local Initiation or Reinstatement Fee | $100.00 |
| Total | $402.50 |
| Voluntary TEMPO (AFM Legislative Fund) and ERF Donation | $5.00 |
| Total Including Voluntary Donation | $407.50 |
Ready to sign up?
Complete the two required forms.
Open the forms in Adobe Reader or Acrobat if you want to fill them out electronically. Otherwise, download and print them.
1. Membership application
Fill out the AFM Local 257 membership application to start your join process.
2. Funeral benefit form
Complete the Local 257 funeral benefit form as part of your application package.
Need a hand?
Call for immediate help with rates, eligibility, or paperwork so you can get everything submitted correctly the first time.
Please note: The Local 257 Funeral Benefit Card must be notarized when signed, unless it is completed in person at the local. You may sign this form at the local or have it notarized and mail it in.
Talk to a real person
Get immediate help joining Local 257.
If you are ready to join or you just want help choosing the correct next step, contact Madyson directly.