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
These 50 transcriptions, hand-selected by jazz teacher Charlie Shoemake and transcribed by Chris “Doc” Stewart of Local 586 (Phoenix, AZ), represent a wealth of material for jazz students exploring how to improvise.
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Hillsborough County in Florida approved an additional $100,000 to expand The Florida Orchestra’s music education program, presented through a partnership with Prodigy Cultural Arts Program and the University Area Community Development Corporation.
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Previously known only through a spurious edition in G Major, the authentic Concertino in F was discovered in Italy by Pedro Díaz, a member of Local 802 (New York City) and English hornist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
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The Cello Power series is designed to expand cello students’ facility and knowledge of the instrument.
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College Prep for Musicians decodes the complex process of choosing schools, clarifies vocabulary around the admission process, and shows students exactly how to prepare their best audition.
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Part I includes 24 invigorating melodic détaché warm-ups drawn from sequences of Bach, Schubert, Dvořák, and others. Part II is a collection of 15 short melodies designed to open and center the tone, while encouraging full breath support.
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In January, Bachtrack released its annual classical music statistics, based on a database of 33,578 international performances in 2018.
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On December 23, 2018, the Musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra ratified a new three-year contract, effective through the 2020-2021 season.
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In December, the New York State legislature overwhelmingly approved a bill designating the hymn “Here Rests in Honored Glory,” by Donald Miller, the state’s official Hymn of Remembrance. Spearheaded by Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, Senator John DeFrancisco, and Senator David Valeski, the bill was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo on December 28.
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2019
Approximately 800,000 government workers have been impacted by the shutdown. At this writing, most have already missed at least one paycheck. Many are seeking assistance from food banks, filing for unemployment benefits, and taking second jobs. Some fear losing their homes, going into debt, and being unable to support their families.
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