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.
October 2, 2017
The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) has received the largest gift in its history: a $1.5 million donation to endow the principal oboe chair. The gift comes from longtime LACO donors Carol and Warner Henry, and was made in honor of Allan Vogel of Local 47. The Henrys’ gift will also support the performance of baroque music and LACO’s Baroque Conversations series.
Read MoreOctober 2, 2017
With the hiring of five new orchestra members, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) has fulfilled its promise to return the orchestra to 90 members.
Read MoreOctober 2, 2017
“I Wrote that One, Too … A Life in Songwriting, from Willie to Whitney,”
by Steve Dorff, Backbeat Books, www.backbeatbooks.com
October 2, 2017
Music brings people together under many different circumstances. It is still the common thread in the complex fabric of life in the 21st century. One way that I describe this phenomenon is to say that music makes the world smaller.
Read MoreOctober 2, 2017
Ray Reed was a first call, woodwind multi-instrumentalist who performed on hundreds of jazz recordings over a 40-plus year career, including with Stan Kenton, Johnny Mandel, Bill Holman, and Frank Zappa orchestras.
Read MoreOctober 2, 2017
Bass guitar has provided the solid foundation on which much of modern music is built. This third edition of The Bass Book follows the evolution of bass guitar from its introduction to today with a full lowdown of the most important bass players and makers.
Read MoreOctober 2, 2017
This book explores the contributions that Americans of Italian descent have made to jazz and also discusses the discrimination and stereotyping faced by Italian immigrants in their efforts to assimilate into American culture.
Read MoreOctober 2, 2017
Carl Verheyen of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) is considered one of the most skilled guitarists on the scene—a guitar player’s guitar player—a combination of talent, intellect, and a lot of soul.
Read MoreSeptember 26, 2017
I have had the privilege of participating in the AFM Convention mandated Officer Training Program, joining my AFM colleagues in bringing valuable information to local officers in an up close and personal way.
Read MoreSeptember 25, 2017
The release of a motion picture soundtrack is important to both the producer and the composer, so it is worth mentioning the different AFM options available.
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