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, 2018
Zig Kanstul: Last of the Great Masters, by R. Dale Olson, is an account of the lineage of the great masters of American brass musical instrument making, culminating in the story of Zig Kanstul.
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Radial Engineering’s Key-Largo keyboard mixer and performance pedal features quarter-inch analog inputs to connect up to three stereo or mono keyboards, plus a USB interface for use with soft synths or computer-based audio. All inputs feature individual level control. Separate send controls access a shared effects loop activated via a dedicated footswitch. The effects return […]
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2018
IK Multimedia’s T-RackS 5 versatile mixing and mastering system offers four all-new processors for a total of 38 high-quality modules, including a redesigned interface in a flexible 16-processor series/parallel chain. Among the improvements, the Master Match module plug-in automatically matches the sonic fingerprint of up to three reference tracks; Dyna-Mu vari-mu compressor/limiter can impart an […]
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2018
“My father taught me the old standards, swing, and Latin-influenced music,” says guitarist Ed Zelenak of Local 5 (Detroit, MI), adding that it served him well on his 2017 visit to Cuba. He seized upon the opportunity to visit the island when the US embargo was lifted.
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I recently had the privilege to represent the AFM at several International Federation of Musicians (FIM) workshops in Latin America.
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Local 406 (Montreal, PQ) percussionist Aldo Mazza wrote this method book from his 16 years of experience facilitating KoSA study programs in Cuba and working with many important Cuban drummers in developing rhythms.
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Lectrosonics SMWB (single AA battery) and SMDWB (dual AA battery) Digital Hybrid Wireless SM Series transmitters provide several innovative features. They can act as transmitters, body-worn recorders, as well as provide wideband tuning. The units tune across three standard frequency blocks and come in several frequency ranges for North American and export markets, plus selectable […]
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2018
Protecting the intellectual property rights of creative artists has long been a primary mission of the AFM.
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Far from being a recording how-to book, award-winning music producer Sylvia Massy shares creative and unconventional music recording techniques.
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2018
Our AFM negotiates three major filmed media contracts, the Motion Picture, Television Film, and Live TV/Videotape contracts. Together, these CBAs are responsible for more than $150 million of AFM wages and support the livelihoods of thousands of AFM musicians.
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