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.
August 31, 2015
IM -Comping is a term used to describe how a pianist (or other chordal instrumentalist) plays chords in a rhythm that propels and supports a soloist. Author and pianist Jeb Patton of Local 802 (New York City) says that this is the type of book he searched for when he first started playing jazz. It is meant as an aid to aspiring jazz musicians, uncovering some of the mysteries behind comping. It reveals what happens in the background—the groove, the backdrop, the rhythmic conversation, and the colors behind the soloist—and underscores the piano player’s role in comping. Two included CDs provide demonstration and comp-along tracks to help you learn techniques by playing along.
An Approach to Comping: the Essentials, a Guide to Jazz Accompanying, by Jeb Patton, www.shermusic.com.