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.
July 2, 2018
The AFM Joint Venture Agreement is designed for self-contained bands who want to document their recordings and business relationship with a no-cost contract that protects everyone involved.
Read MoreJuly 2, 2018
In a step-by-step fun method, Rhythm First! builds up the student’s library of rhythmic figures and has them playing along with the accompanying CD to get the sound and feel of jazz soloing under their fingers.
Read MoreJuly 2, 2018
Spanning the band’s entire career, each chapter of Pearl Jam FAQ explores a different aspect of the band’s history. It covers members’ successes, failures, and tragedies, from their pre-Pearl Jam days to today
Read MoreJuly 2, 2018
Kalmen Opperman is remembered for his dedication to teaching. This biography explores his story, from self-taught musician to a 50-year career playing in orchestra pits for Broadway musicals and ballets.
Read MoreJuly 2, 2018
Taken from the blogs of the renowned jazz composer, arranger, bandleader, and educator, Local 802 (New York City) member David Berger tells readers what it’s like to be a jazz musician and arranger.
Read MoreJuly 2, 2018
With construction on phase 1 of the new Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) Burbank headquarters complete, around 300 musicians, dignitaries, and friends turned up on May 21 to celebrate.
Read MoreJuly 2, 2018
Preparation for negotiating your collective bargaining agreement no longer begins six months in advance of your agreement’s expiration, nor does it end with tentative agreement on its successor. Much of this preparation occurs throughout the term of the agreement. Using the time between rounds of active bargaining to choose effective representatives, build important relationships, gather information, and exploit resources is now an essential part of preparation for bargaining.
Read MoreJuly 2, 2018
Through extensive and unprecedented analyses of original concert scores, Scoring the Screen offers aspiring composers, music educators, and media content creators a view from inside the actual process of scoring to picture.
Read MoreJuly 2, 2018
The second workbook in this series, each of which can be used alone, An Approach to Comping: Advanced Concepts and Techniques delves deeper into some of the topics covered in the first volume, The Essentials, and offers new approaches.
Read MoreJuly 2, 2018
You have just been elected to the orchestra committee. Congratulations! Perhaps this is your first time serving on the committee and you are not yet sure of your responsibilities. You probably suspect that there will be issues the committee regularly deals with related to the enforcement of the local contract, but what you may not know is that the orchestra committee has an essential role in the workings of the AFM Symphony Opera Ballet Integrated Media Agreement (IMA).
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