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.
April 7, 2017
Slated to open in 2019 near Millennium Park, the Chicago Blues Experience will tell the story Chicago’s blues story and celebrate the pioneering artists and the generations of musicians who have been influenced by the blues and continue to carry on its traditions.
Read MoreApril 7, 2017
Inspired by Los Angeles Philharmonic Music Director Gustavo Dudamel’s experiences with the Venezuela youth orchestra movement “El Sistema,” LA Philharmonic partners with the organization Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) to bring orchestral music to underserved children through Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA).
Read MoreApril 7, 2017
Following President Donald Trump’s January 27 executive order for his first travel ban, composer Soosan Lolavar was banned from re-entering the US. Lolavar was born and raised in London, but has dual citizenship as her father is Iranian.
Read MoreApril 7, 2017
When Anja Wood of Local 802 (New York City) graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Music in the early 1990s, she headed east to carve out a life as a freelance musician.
Read MoreApril 5, 2017
Trumpet virtuoso Paul Merkelo of Local 406 (Montréal, PQ), soloist and principal for Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) since 1995, has been recognized for both his technique and virtuosity. The international performer has been a soloist and has taught master classes in North and South America, Europe, Russia, and Asia.
Read MoreApril 1, 2017
This resource for serious violinists tackles a number of topics, from achieving immaculate intonation to advanced techniques like fingerboard mapping, controlling vibrato, and navigating in high positions. It includes tips from top master classes and conservatories across the country. The book also explores strategies for effective practice, as well as overcoming performance anxiety and winning […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2017
Dick Weissman of Local 20-623 (Denver, CO), former member of the folk group The Journeymen, describes what the music scene was like as a rising star in the 1960s.
Read MoreApril 1, 2017
In Opera with a Touch of Jazz, arranger Lee Evans adds subtle and tasteful jazz stylings to 18 operatic masterpieces from Cilea, Donizetti, Gluck, Mascagni, Massenet, Puccini, Purcell, Saint-Saëns, Tchaikovsky, Wagner, and Verdi. Evans, a 60-plus year member of AFM Local 802 (New York City), says he hopes the book will serves as a motivational tool for piano teachers and students, and introduce the works to a new generation.
Read MoreApril 1, 2017
This book contains piano, vocals, and guitar arrangements for all of the songs on Diana Krall’s 2015 Wallflower album.
Read MoreApril 1, 2017
The ability to play blues piano in an authentic style is a special skill that takes time to learn and develop. Aside from experimenting to find the right groove, feel, timing, chords, voicings, it takes time to learn the licks and how to listen to the other instruments and vocals to effectively complement them.
Read More