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.
December 1, 2019
IM -The Virginia Symphony Orchestra presented its first sensory-friendly concert in November, designed for audience members on the autism spectrum. The hour-long program featured selections by Mozart, Debussy, Mendelssohn, Copland, and Beethoven among others. Audience members arrived early for pre-concert activities and a resource fair.
VSO musicians are members of Local 125 (Norfolk, VA). In preparation for the concert, all musicians and staff underwent training on how to recognize patrons with sensory needs and how to handle sensory-overload situations. Quiet spaces were available before and during the concert, seating in the hall was flexible, and sensory tools—such as fidgets—were available for use during the performance. VSO posted a pre-concert guide of what to expect at the performance on its website.
VSO partnered with local autism centers and other service organizations in the community, and the sensory-friendly concert was supported in part by a grant from the American Orchestras’ Future Fund.