Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.

As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.

The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.

Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM

Books-Resources, Products, Resources

A Life in Songwriting, from Willie to Whitney

I Wrote That One, Too…A Life in Songwriting, from Willie to Whitney


“I Wrote that One, Too … A Life in Songwriting, from Willie to Whitney,”
by Steve Dorff, Backbeat Books, www.backbeatbooks.com




When Should You Visit an Ophthalmologist?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that healthy individuals with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye examination at age 40.


When Vertigo Rocks Your World

Vertigo is a tilting, spinning sensation of being off-balance. You may feel like the world is spinning around you even when you are standing perfectly still. Vertigo symptoms are caused by a disturbance to equilibrium, and may be accompanied by nausea and headache. More than 2 million people visit their doctors each year complaining of […]


When You Need It, a Safety Net with MusiCares

For the growing number of music professionals without basic medical coverage—and with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in flux—MusiCares is a much-needed resource, which works closely with a dedicated group of health care professionals through its medical network.


Tracking Zika This Summer

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported more than 4,200 cases of Zika, nearly all carried by travelers from other areas. But Florida reports more than 200 locally acquired cases, spread by the mosquitoes.


In the Spotlight: Help for Dry Eyes

During allergy season many people experience dry eyes. With age, it becomes more common and can be chronic.


Malware and Ransomware Protection Tips

It is becoming more common for businesses to be affected by malware and ransomware, and musicians are not immune. Recently, several orchestras have experienced data breaches of employee databases.


Proper Playing Position Is Key to Comfort and Injury Prevention in Strings

Playing any instrument means moving a lot. Proper Playing Position Is Key to Comfort and Injury Prevention in Strings


Don’t Fret: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Is Treatable

People often refer to any hand and wrist ailment as carpal tunnel syndrome, but ulnar tunnel syndrome (also called cubital tunnel syndrome) affects a specific part of the hand. Symptoms include numbness and tingling in the fifth digit (pinky finger) and half of the ring finger.


Trigger Points: A Pain in the Neck

Trigger Points, or knots, in the neck and shoulder muscles from repetitive use are common in musicians. In addition, chronic muscle-related pain of the head and neck may be exacerbated, or caused, by other conditions








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