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 26, 2019
IM -In mid-November, the Las Vegas Philharmonic (LVP) announced its new partnership with the Nevada School of the Arts. This is the first initiative introduced under the umbrella of the philharmonic’s Music SPARK program, which encompasses education and community engagement activities.
In its first year, the partnership includes three intensive mentoring and coaching sessions for chamber music students by LVP musicians, each followed by a side-by-side performance. “Performing side-by-side with professional musicians of the Las Vegas Philharmonic is a powerful and valuable learning experience for students,” says Shakeh Ghoukasian of Local 369 (Las Vegas, NV), principal second violin of LVP and artistic director of the Nevada School for the Arts. “Even today, I remember the joy and pride I felt as a student sitting on the same stage with experienced musicians and performing great works of literature, so I am thrilled to be part of offering this special experience to students.”