When I first moved to New York City, the idea of joining the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) wasn’t even on my radar. Union gigs? Contracts? That wasn’t where my head was at. I came to New York with one goal: to be a rock star. I was all about the bands, the grind, and doing whatever it took to make it big. I played every type of gig you can imagine, pouring my heart into music that I hoped would break through. Back then, I wasn’t thinking about stability or benefits—I was chasing the dream.
I even looked the part. I grew out my hair and had dreadlocks down to my back. I dove into the scene with everything I had, playing with rock bands, funk bands, and anything else that came my way. I was living the life of an up-and-coming musician, hustling from one show to the next, soaking up every opportunity to get closer to that elusive breakthrough.
Then something unexpected happened: I got a call to play drums for a little Off-Broadway show called tick, tick... BOOM!. It was a small, intimate production created by Jonathan Larson—yes, the same guy who wrote Rent. The show had a raw, emotional energy that immediately drew me in. It was nothing like the rock world I had been chasing, but it gave me a new perspective on what being a professional musician could look like. And here’s the thing: I had to join the union to play that gig.
At first, I saw it as just another hoop to jump through. I didn’t know much about the AFM, and honestly, I didn’t care. I was focused on the music. But once I joined and started to see how the union worked—what it offered, how it protected its members—it opened my eyes. It wasn’t just about ticking a box; it was about setting myself up for a sustainable career.
What Is the AFM?
The American Federation of Musicians is the largest union of professional musicians in the world, representing over 70,000 members across the U.S. and Canada. It’s the backbone of fair wages, benefits, and protections for musicians in every genre and industry, from Broadway pits to film scoring sessions. But the AFM isn’t just a one-size-fits-all organization—it’s structured to meet the specific needs of musicians through local chapters, and Local 802 in New York City is one of the most powerful.
The AFM’s national efforts set the foundation for everything Local 802 does. On a national level, the union negotiates agreements for industries like film, television, and sound recording. It fights for musicians’ intellectual property rights, makes sure royalties are distributed fairly, and advocates for legislative protections that impact our livelihoods. It also manages pension and health benefits, providing a much-needed safety net in a notoriously unpredictable industry.
Local 802: The Heart of NYC’s Music Scene
While the AFM operates nationally, Local 802 addresses the challenges of being a working musician in New York City. Broadway might be its most recognizable domain, but Local 802’s reach extends beyond The Great White Way. Here’s what makes it so essential for musicians in NYC:
Broadway and Theater: Local 802 is often synonymous with Broadway and Off-Broadway. It negotiates contracts specific to theater work, ensuring fair pay, manageable schedules, and protections for musicians playing in pits or working on touring productions.
Recording Musicians: Whether you’re laying down tracks for a commercial, a film score, or an album project, Local 802 ensures recording artists in NYC are compensated fairly and protected by industry-specific agreements.
Orchestras and Ensembles: From prestigious institutions like the New York Philharmonic to smaller chamber groups, Local 802 represents the city’s classical musicians and advocates for better pay and working conditions.
Jazz and Club Performers: NYC’s vibrant jazz scene is legendary, and Local 802 supports the musicians who make it happen. The union ensures artists aren’t exploited.
Television and Radio: Musicians who perform live for television or radio broadcasts, such as morning shows or special events, also rely on Local 802 for tailored contracts and protections.
Freelance and Event Gigs: Wedding bands, corporate event musicians, and freelancers benefit from union agreements that guarantee fair treatment and pay in non-traditional gig settings.
Why Local 802 Stands Out
New York City is one of the most competitive and diverse music markets in the world. Local 802 understands this better than anyone, and it’s uniquely equipped to handle the challenges that come with it.
Custom Contracts: The music scene in NYC isn’t a one-size-fits-all industry. Local 802 has agreements tailored to everything from Broadway pits to jazz clubs, making sure musicians in every niche are covered.
Career Support: Beyond contracts, Local 802 offers resources to help musicians thrive. Workshops on taxes, royalties, and professional development ensure members are equipped to navigate the business side of music.
Community and Advocacy: Being part of Local 802 means joining a community of musicians who share your passion and understand your challenges. The union also fights for industry-wide improvements, from better wages to arts funding.
Networking Opportunities: Through its events and connections, Local 802 helps musicians find gigs and build relationships in one of the most challenging industries around.
Why Join Local 802?
For any musician trying to make it in NYC, joining Local 802 is a no-brainer. It’s not just about the gigs—it’s about leveling the playing field and having a foundation to build a sustainable career. Negotiating on your own in a city like this can feel overwhelming, but with Local 802, you have collective power on your side.
Here’s what the union brings to the table:
Fair Pay: Union contracts establish minimum wage scales for every type of gig, so you’re not left negotiating blindly.
Legal Support: Whether you’re dealing with a contract dispute or an intellectual property issue, Local 802 has your back.
Pension and Benefits: The union’s pension plans and health benefits provide long-term stability in an unpredictable industry.
Royalties and Intellectual Property Protections: Through national initiatives, the AFM ensures musicians are compensated for their work, even long after the session ends.
A Network of Professionals: Local 802 connects you with other musicians, giving you access to opportunities you wouldn’t find on your own.
My Takeaway
When I joined Local 802 for tick, tick... BOOM!, I didn’t realize how much it would shape my career. At first, it felt like a formality, but over time, I saw just how much the union does to protect, support, and empower musicians. Whether you’re in a Broadway pit, a recording studio, or a jazz club, Local 802 is there to make sure you’re treated fairly.
In New York City, Local 802 isn’t just an option for those who play in musical theater—it’s a necessity. It’s more than a union; it’s a community and a safety net in an industry that can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Joining is something every working musician should consider.