Atlanta Federation of Musicians

09/30/2026

Atlanta Federation of Musicians is pleased to announce the seventh Annual Music Educator Award, presented by our Local's Organizing Task Force (OTF). This award is intended to identify a member of Local 148-462 who exemplifies music education excellence. We need nominations of members of Atlanta Federation of Musicians! The deadline is 12/31/2026.

Which music educators do you see as outstanding educators in our schools and community? This year’s prize may be used as needed to contribute to the winner’s music education directives.

To nominate a Local Member, please email our office with a paragraph highlighting your nominee and reason for submitting to: [email protected] or mail to Atlanta Federation of Musicians 551 Dutch Valley Road NE Atlanta, GA 30324

Thank you!
Organizing Task Force
Local 148-462
Atlanta Federation of Musicians

09/25/2026

Movie Night at the Local! Join us to celebrate the Halloween season. We'll be screening the 1984 classic Ghostbusters (rated PG). Costumes are optional.

Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 7pm
In Person at the James H. Patterson Hall
551 Dutch Valley Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30324

Open to all ages, beverages will be provided.
Bring your own snacks, cushion, bean bag chair, lava lamp, or other 1984 throwback! https://www.facebook.com/share/1EaTtiaLgJ/

Please indicate your presence, so we may accurately order beverages. Thank you!

RSVP (link in bio): bit.ly/AFM-MovieNight

AFM Local 148-462
404-873-2033
[email protected]
https://atlantamusicians.com/ See less

09/23/2026

The Black Orchestral Network brings it's 2026 Summit back to Atlanta October 17 at Atlanta Music Project.

Masterclasses, panel conversations, live performance, and a room full of people who understand the work. $20 registration, free under 26, free on request if cost is a barrier.

This one-day gathering brings together musicians, educators, administrators, and advocates from across the region who share BON's mission. It's a chance to connect with peer organizations, share resources, and be part of a growing network working toward lasting change in the orchestral field.

This year's sessions include:

"Owning the Moment: How to Perform Your Best Under Pressure"

"Your Vision, Your Brand: Building Something With Purpose and Identity"

"Black History in Music: Preserving and Sharing Black Cultural Contributions in Classical Music"

You'll also hear from panelists such as:

Dr. Tammy Kernodle, professor and music historian

Erik Rönmark, President & CEO of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Stephanie Matthews, violinist and entrepreneur

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET
Location: Atlanta Music Project, 883 Dill Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Registration is $20 and covers breakfast, lunch, all-day coffee and tea, Summit programming, and a Summit gift. It's free for anyone under 26, and free for anyone the fee would be a barrier for. No one is turned away over cost.

Take a look at what last year's Summit was like:

2025 Summit Highlights: https://youtu.be/eOb8M7yNIyA?si=FEJAR0CEuRi6asth

2025 Attendee Testimonials: https://youtu.be/cLzz8tFl3I8?si=iq_Oac3R8mgYrW5W

And check out Black Music Seen, BON's podcast: https://youtu.be/ANGy3x_KUQk?si=zHxiIlWsQS_Bd3Qy

Learn more and register here: https://www.blackorchestralnetwork.org/bon-2026-summit-1

09/21/2026

Atlanta Ballet musicians protest as company cuts back orchestra
Andrew Alexander
September 21, 2026

As Atlanta Ballet patrons arrived at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre over the weekend, they encountered something unusual before they even took their seats: Musicians from the company’s orchestra stood outside the theater, carrying signs, handing out flyers and making the case for live music.

The protest accompanied Atlanta Ballet’s season-opening run of Passion and Pride, which was performed with recorded music rather than the company’s live orchestra. The musicians say Atlanta Ballet has sharply reduced the orchestra’s role this season, and they spent months trying unsuccessfully to persuade the company to restore live accompaniment for the production.

“We want to play, but we are being told that we are not needed to play,” said Alana Bennett, a cellist with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, who was among the musicians outside the theater Saturday.

Protesters outside Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre September 19. The QR code led to a page that informed patrons of the ballet’s decision to cut back the orchestra and use pre-recorded music at many of this season’s performances.
Bennett said live musicians bring an energy to a ballet performance that a recording cannot replicate.

“There’s more energy; the dancers feel it; everything is better because we have all these artists in the space,” she said.

The musicians, members of the Atlanta Federation of Musicians Local 148-462, announced the protest in a September 18 release. They said they wanted to make audiences aware that recorded music was being used for Passion and Pride and encourage patrons to support live music at Atlanta Ballet...

Read the full article here (in bio):

https://www.artsatl.org/atlanta-ballet-musicians-protest-as-company-cuts-back-orchestra/

09/18/2026

09/15/2026

09/11/2026

Now More Than Ever,
The AFM TEMPO Fund Is Our Voice in Washington
Supporting lawmakers and candidates who champion issues important to musicians is crucial.
Every contribution to TEMPO allows the AFM to support lawmakers and candidates who champion issues vital to musicians like you. It ensures that the AFM has a seat at the table and is strongly represented in the critical conversations happening on Capitol Hill. From new bands to experienced performers, every musician deserves fair wages, good working conditions, health care, and retirement security.

The following highlights the key legislative issues that we are actively working to address:

Artificial Intelligence
Artist Compensation
Artist Visas
Arts Education
Copyright
Equality Among Musicians
Federal Support for the Arts
Tax Policy
Ticketing Reform
Worker Protections

Federal law prohibits dues money from being used for most political purposes. That’s why musicians have established TEMPO (Taskforce for Employment of Musicians Promotional Organization). TEMPO is solely comprised of small contributions given by AFM musicians—like you.

Read more and contribute today at:
www.afm.org/what-we-are-doing/legislative/