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 12, 2019
My colleague, fellow Local 433 (Austin, TX) member Aaron Lack and I hopped on a plane to Washington, DC, at the beginning of December. We were headed to American Federation of Musicians Leadership Training. The AFM hosted the three days of training with leaders from the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute at the Tommy Douglas Conference Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2019
The Electro-Harmonix Flatiron Fuzz classic op-amp fuzz/distortion unit is the result of late ’70s style circuitry that delivers symmetrical hard clipping.
Read MoreFebruary 8, 2019
Saxophonist Gerald Albright of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) has dominated contemporary jazz since the 1980s. Albright made a name for himself as an R&B instrumentalist and his venerated status in the studio as a skilled session musician resulted in solo contracts with major labels.
Read MoreFebruary 6, 2019
Known for his rich deep voice and distinctive style, Grammy-nominated country musician Josh Turner has sold more than 2.5 million units. I Serve a Savior marks his first gospel album and first appearance in Billboard’s Christian charts, debuting at number two both on that chart and the Top Country Albums Chart and number one on Nielsen’s Country Albums Chart.
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2019
The AFM has announced the hiring of Lead Organizer Alex Tindal Wiesendanger. He will work under Director Michael Manley in the Organizing & Education Division.
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2019
First arranged by Local 802 (New York City) member and clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, this edition of Lukas Foss’s Three American Pieces for Clarinet in Bb and Piano offers clarinet revisions by Seunghee Lee.
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2019
Thousands of Los Angeles Unified School District teachers—more than 30,000—walked off the job in mid-January. It is the first strike since 1989 for the country’s second largest school district, which includes more than 900 schools.
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2019
Both the Minnesota Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra have announced balanced budgets for their 2017-2018 fiscal years. Musicians from both orchestras are represented by Local 30-73 (Minneapolis-St Paul, MN).
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2019
To view this article in English, click here. Dans le numéro de septembre 2013 d’International Musician, j’ai traité du nombre de diffusions nécessaires pour toucher le salaire minimum aux États-Unis. Les chiffres présentés reposaient sur le salaire minimum fédéral, soit 7,25 $ de l’heure ou 1 160 $ par mois pour une semaine de travail de 40 heures. Le tableau […]
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2019
Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena will be the sight of Local 257 (Nashville, TN) member Loretta Lynn’s “all-star birthday celebration” on April 1. Among the confirmed performers for the Queen of Country’s 87th birthday will be AFM members Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, and Trisha Yearwood of Local 257, as well as George Strait of Local 433 (Austin, TX). Musical director is Local 257 member Dave Cobb.
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