The links that actually matter.
Resources for musicians on any instrument, especially college students figuring out how to move from school into professional work. Start with career planning, the business, and support. The Broadway and theater links are here for anyone exploring that path. Bookmark what you need and share it with someone who can use it.
Start here
You don’t need every link on this page today. Start with the problem you’re trying to solve.
Union & advocacy
Local 802 — AFM New York
LOCAL UNION
The home base for Broadway musicians. Health fund, pension, contract enforcement, rehearsal space, unclaimed checks — it all runs through here. If you’re playing on Broadway, this is your union.
Local 802 — Resource Center
LOCAL UNION
The practical side of 802: instrument insurance, pension fund info, the Musicians Health Fund, rehearsal space rentals, and unclaimed checks. Start here when you need something specific.
AFM — American Federation of Musicians
NATIONAL UNION
The national body. Touring agreements, instrument travel protections, pension, recording rights, and legislative advocacy for musicians across the U.S. and Canada.
Theatre Musicians Association (TMA)
PLAYER CONFERENCE
An official AFM player conference connecting Broadway, touring, and regional theatre musicians. Tracks touring show itineraries and instrumentation. Essential if you’re on the road — or want to know what’s coming through your city.
Community & industry
Broadway Musicians
PIT MUSICIAN COMMUNITY
An inside look at the orchestras, musicians, and stories from the pits of Broadway. Profiles and a window into the world most audiences never see.
Find the Best Broadway Musicals and Plays for You!
Whether you’re looking to see a musical or a play, there’s no better time to grab a Broadway ticket. We’ve curated a list of what’s playing on Broadway right now and the upcoming shows to look forward to.
https://bestbroadwaymusicals.com
Maestra Music
EQUITY & INCLUSION
A searchable directory and community for women and gender-expansive musicians in musical theatre. Composers, music directors, orchestrators, pit musicians, and more. If you’re building a team, look here first.
Broadway World
INDUSTRY NEWS
The widest-coverage Broadway news site. Casting announcements, opening nights, reviews, and industry chatter. Useful for staying current on what’s running, what’s opening, and who’s working.
Playbill
INDUSTRY NEWS
The program in your hands and the site on your screen. Broadway casting, show announcements, production history, and the Playbill Vault — one of the best tools for tracking credits and replacements.
Research & records
IBDB — Internet Broadway Database
OFFICIAL DATABASE
The official record of Broadway. Every show, every credit, going back centuries. Cast lists, production dates, theatre history, stats. Use it to research contractors, verify credits, and track who worked on what.
Variety — Theater
INDUSTRY PUBLICATION
Where the industry reads about itself. Reviews, box office reports, casting announcements, and business-side coverage of Broadway that goes beyond the curtain calls.
Broadway News
INDUSTRY PUBLICATION
Focused journalism about Broadway as a business and an art form. Interviews, analysis, and coverage that goes deeper than the press release.
Health & support
Entertainment Community Fund
EMERGENCY & ONGOING SUPPORT
Formerly the Actors Fund. Emergency financial assistance, health insurance counseling, career services, and housing resources for everyone in performing arts — not just actors. Musicians qualify. If you’re in a tough spot, start here.
Local 802 Musicians Health Fund
HEALTH COVERAGE
Check the fund’s official eligibility requirements, contribution rules, and coverage information. A union gig does not automatically mean you have health coverage.
AFM-EP Fund (Pension)
RETIREMENT
Every union gig also builds your pension. The AFM & Employers’ Pension Fund accumulates credits across your career. Know your account. Check your credits. Don’t leave money sitting unclaimed.
Career building
Careers.Broadway
CAREER & HIRING
The Broadway League’s career resource. Breakdowns of what different roles actually do — including musicians — plus guidance on training paths. Good for anyone mapping a route toward the industry.
Broadway Bound and Beyond
BOOK
The book on how Broadway hiring actually works — relationships, trust, sub culture, the business side of being a musician. If you’re serious about this career, read it.
How to Land a Gig on Broadway
FREE DOWNLOAD
A free guide to getting called, preparing for the work, and building trust. Start here if you’re trying to understand how Broadway hiring works.
This page is a living document. If there’s a resource that belongs here, reach out. The goal is simple: give working musicians and aspiring ones the same information the insiders already have.