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 13, 2019
From Broadway’s Jersey Boys to Gigging with Queen, Bassist Ken Dow is in Demand Ken Dow, of Local 325 (San Diego, CA) is the original bassist for the worldwide hit musical Jersey Boys. He worked with multiple Tony Award-winner Des McAnuff since the show’s inception at La Jolla Playhouse, and performed the show nightly on […]
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2019
The bond between Local 802 (New York City) members Chick Corea and Steve Gadd goes back more than 50 years. The two-disc album Chinese Butterfly is a result of the two musicians’ long-held desire to work together more intensely.
Read MoreJanuary 10, 2019
Dierks Bentley Seven albums into his career, Riser was a defining album for 14-time Grammy nominated country singer/songwriter, restauranteur, and philanthropist Dierks Bentley, of Local 257 (Nashville, TN). The album’s blend of down-home party music and introspective ballads resulted in one of the most personal of his career, garnering rave reviews, critical accolades and chart-topping […]
Read MoreJanuary 9, 2019
I’ve been learning about apprentice programs in the building trades. These are union worker funded programs that provide wages through on-the-job training paired with classes and certifications.
Read MoreJanuary 8, 2019
Local 149 (Toronto, ON) members and children’s music duo Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison will take to the road one last time before officially retiring from touring in 2019.
Read MoreJanuary 7, 2019
The new year presents an opportunity for AFM locals and the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) to begin to regrow our programs across North America and increase our impact on communities.
Read MoreJanuary 4, 2019
Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member John Rodby makes reference to his aversion to the use of computers in composition and orchestration with the title Tyranoscorus Rex.
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2019
Friedrich Nietzsche: Selected Works for Piano is prepared from Nietzsche’s manuscripts and includes 19 pieces for piano which he composed from 1857 to 1874.
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2019
The Flute Audition: The New Essential Companion is a collection of orchestral excerpts was created to help young musicians everywhere prepare for auditions.
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2019
This book with text and notes in English, French, and German contains 10 intermediate, traditional klezmer pieces arranged for violin and accordion by klezmer specialists Deborah Strauss (violin) and Alan Bern (accordion).
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