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.
January 11, 2016
IM -Anshel Brusilow’s memoir, co-written with Robin Underdahl, is a fascinating look at American classical music through the eyes of a working-class immigrant child. Raised in Philadelphia by Russian Jewish parents, Anshel Brusilow soloed with the Philadelphia Orchestra by 16, while studying at Pierre Monteux’ summer conducting school. Though he served as associate concertmaster at the Cleveland Orchestra under George Szell and in Philadelphia under Ormandy, he was driven to conduct. At Philadelphia, Brusilow couldn’t resist conducting on the side, to Ormandy’s displeasure. By 40, he’d formed his own chamber orchestra in Philadelphia. Later, he conducted the Dallas Symphony and shaped the orchestral programs at Southern Methodist University and the University of North Texas. Over the years, he either played with or conducted many top-tier musicians and has something to say about each.
Shoot the Conductor: Too Close to Monteux, Szell, and Ormandy, by Anshel Brusilow and Robin Underdahl, University of North Texas Press, www.untpress.edu.