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 5, 2015
Gypsy Jazz Guitar Volume 1: A Tribute to Gypsy Jazz presents the best examples of performances past and present and showcases the aspects of rhythm and lead guitar in gypsy jazz…
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One Way Out chronicles the journey of the band from its formation in 1969 until today, and provides musical and cultural insights and riveting road stories of personality conflicts…
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This year marked the 40th OCSM conference. Our meeting day consisting of two topics: the changing media landscape in Canada due to cutbacks at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and the ever-relevant topic of making the AFM more beneficial to freelance musicians.
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After a six-month campaign, musicians at Olney Theatre in Maryland overwhelmingly voted to unionize in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election. Musicians are now working with AFM Local 161-710 (Washington, DC), preparing for their first collective bargaining agreement. The victory is an important first step in Local 161-710’s organizing plan.
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Grand Feel and Sound Casio’s Celviano Grand Hybrid GP-500BP and GP-300 digital pianos combine the latest electronic music technology with the traditional sound and feel of acoustic grand pianos. AiR Grand Sound Source recreates all the multi-faceted sounds of an acoustic piano, including sympathetic string resonance, damper resonance, key-off response, and mechanical sound. Plus the […]
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Downchild blues band has been a Canadian institution since 1969. Co-founder and band leader Donnie “Mr. Downchild” Walsh of Local 149 (Toronto, ON) says that it was a Jimmy Reed record he heard at his girlfriend’s 16th birthday party that got him started on his blues path. By 1969, he had taught himself Reed’s harmonica technique and founded Downchild Blues Band with his brother Richard “Hock” Walsh. The band’s name was inspired by the Sonny Boy Williamson song “Mr. Down Child.”
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The 31st annual Regional Orchestra Players’ Association (ROPA) Conference convened last summer in Toledo, Ohio, at the Grand Plaza Hotel. The conference provided a terrific learning opportunity for the representatives of our 86 member orchestras from around the nation.
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Ann—Custom Martin acoustic guitar with heart-shaped sound hole and planet inlays up the fretboard. Only two of these were ever made. Nancy has the other one. She also plays a Rainsong carbon fiber acoustic guitar and Yamaha flute. Nancy—Nancy Wilson signature model Martin HD-35 acoustic guitar; 1963 Fender Telecaster (blue); 1968 Gibson SG with Bigsby; Gibson Nighthawk, renamed […]
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Rolling Stones Gear: All the Stones’ Instruments from Stage to Studio tells the story of the band through the instruments they used live and in the studio…
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Godlyke’s Pivot-All plugs and cables are set to revolutionize your ability to connect, even in the tightest places. This line of plugs and cables feature…
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