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.
June 1, 2017
In early May, students from Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, presented a concert in the atrium of Orchestra Hall as part of the Minnesota Orchestra’s new Arts Access project.
Read MoreJune 1, 2017
The Philadelphia Orchestra is returning to national radio with a regular presence on satellite station SiriusXM. Broadcasts will air three times per week over the next year, rotating 26 concerts recorded in Verizon Hall. In addition to the concert performances, the broadcasts will feature Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin of Local 77 (Philadelphia, PA) speaking about his personal approach to the music.
Read MoreJune 1, 2017
After more than a year, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) has signed a two-year agreement that was ratified in December 2015. The agreement is retroactive to September 2015 and effective through August 2017.
Read MoreJune 1, 2017
In November 2015, the librarians of the Sarasota Orchestra signed cards asking to be represented by the AFM and to be included in the collective bargaining unit of the Sarasota Orchestra.
Read MoreJune 1, 2017
Local 293 (Hamilton, ON) signed a new collective bargaining agreement with the Burlington New Millennium Orchestra (BNMO), a 30-piece contemporary chamber orchestra.
Read MoreJune 1, 2017
Though California’s minimum wage will increase to $15 an hour by 2022, wage theft is a persistent problem among low-wage workers. According to the Economic Policy Institute, employers illegally cost California workers an estimated $2 billion in earnings per year.
Read MoreJune 1, 2017
Local 784 (Pontiac, MI) member Bob Seger’s Greatest Hits album has been certified Diamond, meaning it sold more than 10 million units in the US, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Read MoreJune 1, 2017
In Cello, Bow, and You, cellist, certified Alexander Technique teacher, and Local 802 (New York City) member Evangeline Benedetti has pioneered an approach to playing that is a synthesis of the cellist’s musical thought, knowledge of the dynamic properties of the instrument and bow, and ability to move effectively according to the mechanics of the human body and laws of gravity.
Read MoreJune 1, 2017
Soloing is an important part of playing, but when you are practicing on your own it is difficult to get the creative juices flowing without a band.
Read MoreJune 1, 2017
This book provides a practical method for developing the ability to create convincing jazz solos in a wide variety of situations.
Read More