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.
February 1, 2019
IM -In January, Bachtrack released its annual classical music statistics, based on a database of 33,578 international performances in 2018. Unsurprisingly, Beethoven and Mozart topped the list for most performed composers, while Bernstein moved up to third place (from 43 in 2016) due to widespread celebrations of his centenary. Also, four of the five most performed works were by Bernstein.
Among most performed contemporary composers, Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) and 9-535 (Boston, MA) member John Williams came in second. Among the world’s busiest orchestras Chicago Symphony Orchestra (members of Local 10-208) ranked third, Philadelphia Orchestra (Local 77) fourth, New York Philharmonic (Local 802) fifth, Boston Symphony Orchestra (Local 9-535) seventh, and Los Angeles Philharmonic (Local 47) ninth.
Among busy conductors, Local 406 (Montreal, PQ) member Yannick Nézet Séguin ranked fourth. Among women conductors, Local 125 (Norfolk, VA) member JoAnn Falletta was the busiest and Local 802 (New York City) member Marin Alsop was second busiest.