Welcome, and thank you for your interest in the Appalachian Association of Professional Musicians, Local 136 of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). The AFM is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. Local 136 represents the very finest professional musicians in Charleston, WV, surrounding areas, and parts of Virginia.

AFM members, who number almost 100,000, perform all styles of music—alternative rock, classical, pop, gospel, jazz, country, folk, rock, big band, reggae, contemporary Christian, etc.. With such active members as Roberta Flack, Santana, Yo-Yo Ma, Sheila E, Suzanne Vega, The Goo Goo Dolls, Willie Nelson, and Branford Marsalis, there is a strong representation of major recording individuals and groups.

The AFM has been promoting and protecting professional musicians for over 110 years. Local 136 has been serving since 1907 and continues to be an effective advocate for musicians' rights in the workplace (be that a nightclub, a symphony stage, in a recording studio, or on tour). The AFM and Local 136 protect the recorded works musicians produce from being exploited, and protect our members live performances by providing several types of benefit programs that help them to build successful careers.

Members of the Appalachian Association of Professional Musicians are secure in knowing that their organization is actively lobbying to promote legislation and public awareness that protects musicians' interests, negotiating collective bargaining agreements with the recording industry, motion picture industry, jingle industry, TV networks, National Public TV and Radio, and providing excellent wages and working conditions for its members.