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.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM

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Gon Bops 8″ Timbale Snare

Blending the textures and accents of traditional Latin timbale with a sensitive, long-range snare throw-off, Gon Bops eight-inch Timbale Snare lets you play high-tuned timbale accents with a snare backbeat and large range of tones.

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Yamaha YTR 5330MRC Trumpet

In developing the YTR 5330MRC mariachi trumpet, Yamaha sought input from mariachi musicians in Mexico. In the end, they created an instrument with a sound and stunning visual impact perfect for the genre.

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Audient iD44 Audio Interface

iD44 is Audient’s most powerful audio interface to date, incorporating four class-A console mic preamplifiers with 60 db gain; leading converter technology; options for digital expansion; intuitive software; and 20-in/24-out desktop interface.

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Jackson’s Pro Series Signature Mick Thomson Soloist SL2

Modeled to handle the aggressive style and tone of the Slipknot guitarist, Jackson’s Pro Series Signature Mick Thomson Soloist SL2 has a mahogany body and graphite reinforced through-body one-piece maple neck with ebony fingerboard, featuring 24 jumbo frets and block side dots.

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Tai Chi and the Musician: How This Martial Art Could Help Your Career

The life of a professional musician is mentally and physically demanding. A musician’s mind is taxed with the need to memorize complex music, spontaneously improvise, and maintain focus during performance, all while putting repetitive strain on the body from hours of practice. While studying for his master’s degree, musician Joe Rea Phillips discovered the benefits of martial arts for musicians.

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Top Questions US Musicians Ask About Copyright, Trademarks, and Patents

In his column, AFM Legislative-Political Director Alfonso Pollard has discussed your union’s work with the musicFIRST Coalition to remedy inequities faced by creators under current copyright laws.

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Ringo Starr Knighted by Prince William

On March 20, Prince William bestowed the honor of knighthood on former Beatle Ringo Starr, a member of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

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Senator Sherrod Brown Holds Cleveland Pension Rally with Labor Leaders

In March, Senator Sherrod Brown (OH-D) held a rally on his work and commitment for retirement security. The event was hosted by several organizations including the Cleveland AFL-CIO Retiree Council, Senior Voice!, and AFM Local 4 (Cleveland, OH). Brown is co-chair of the Joint Congressional Select Committee on Multi-Employer Pension Plans.

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Community Engagement Is Essential to Our Mission

In these complex times, it is more important than ever for all musicians and concerned citizens to remain engaged in our communities—and if possible, take things up a notch.

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Musicians and management of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra announced in early March that they had reached agreement on a three-year contract extension through the 2020-2021 season. Reflecting a renewed sense of collaboration and trust between the two sides, the negotiation process was conducted quietly and the agreement was reached six months ahead of schedule.

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