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.
May 18, 2016
The Ocean Way Audio HR4 is an accurate, wide-dynamic range monitor speaker. Its console top, 25.5-inch-wide design features integrated two-way dual-horn directivity control, delivering a stunning 100 x 40-degree dispersion pattern over a wide audio range. Its massive horizontal “sweet-spot” delivers a consistent stereo image, even to the far corners of a room. For those […]
Read MoreMay 16, 2016
On April 17 internationally acclaimed violinist and Local 20-208 (Chicago, IL) member Rachel Barton Pine was denied boarding with her violin—a 1742 Joseph Guarneri “del Gesu” violin. The instrument, insured for $20 million, is on lifetime loan from an anonymous benefactor.
Read MoreMay 10, 2016
The 2016 JUNO Awards were held in Calgary, Alberta, Sunday, April 3. Leading up to the televised event, the city hosted JUNOfest,
Read MoreMay 9, 2016
Francis (Frank) C. Higgins, longtime trumpet player and member of the North Shore Musicians Association, Local 126 (Lynn, MA) will celebrate his 100th birthday November 22
Read MoreMay 6, 2016
Keyboardist John Defrancesco of Local 586 (Phoenix, AZ) started on clarinet. “But I saw Louis Armstrong play, and I said, ‘Man, I want to play the trumpet!’ Louie inspired me on the horn. I had all those old 78s. There was one called the ‘12th Street Rag.’ I’ll never forget it.” He hums, “Babaa do ba dupe.”
Read MoreMay 1, 2016
Among her achievements, she was the first female music director for the Grammy Awards (2004-2006), first woman to serve as head composer/musical director of the Emmy Awards, as well as the first female music director of the NAACP Image Awards, PEople’s Choice Awards, and HBO’s Comic Relief.
Read MoreMay 1, 2016
In celebration of 20 years of Goodtime banjo success, Deering Banjo Company has launched the Artisan Goodtime banjos.
Read MoreMay 1, 2016
An important part of each AFM Convention is the nomination and election of international officers who will lead the organization during the next three years. Also elected are delegates to the AFL-CIO Convention. Article 19, Section 2 of the AFM Bylaws provides for the publication of campaign statements by those candidates who have declared their […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2016
Designed for both the novice and advanced musician, scholar and performer, Elisa Koehler has created a key reference that addresses all instruments in the high brass family. The book includes detailed illustrations, biographies of prominent performers, composers and instrument makers, and entries on historical instruments, like the cornetto, keyed bugle, and slide trumpet. Appendixes show […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2016
This collection includes lyrics, chord symbols, and mandolin chord diagrams for 100 pop, rock, and folk favorites, including:
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