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.
January 28, 2015
In this book, Local 198-457 (Providence, RI) member Paul Cienniwa takes readers from personal anecdote to practical skills for becoming a successful memorizing musician
Read MoreJanuary 28, 2015
Released last fall, Robert Plant’s Lullaby and . . . the Ceaseless Roar is the singer’s first batch of original songs in almost 10 years.
Read MoreJanuary 28, 2015
Following the successful reintroduction of Gretsch Renown in 2013, the company wanted to make more sonic options available for more players
Read MoreJanuary 28, 2015
Constructed of anodized aluminum, the JodyJazz Giant Tenor George Garzone Signature models are the first saxophone mouthpieces to combine the shape of a hard rubber mouthpiece with the precision of metal.
Read MoreJanuary 28, 2015
CodaBow, made with Kevlar and carbon fiber shaft architecture; fiber-reinforced composite or metal alloy tip plates; and XEBONY high-performance composite frogs (available in Natural and Alabaster) with carbon fiber slides, is a beautiful alternative.
Read MoreJanuary 28, 2015
What do Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament and King’s X bassist/vocalist Dug Pinnick have in common? They both rely on Amptweaker’s Bass TightDrive for its crushing distortion and massive low-end.
Read MoreJanuary 28, 2015
Perfect for players who prefer short-scale guitars, the PRS P245 is a vintage-inspired single-cutaway guitar with an LR Baggs/PRS piezo system to provide both electric and authentic acoustic tones.
Read MoreJanuary 28, 2015
D’Addario’s Classical Half Sets guitar strings offer players flexibility to mix and match and customize their tone and feel.
Read MoreJanuary 28, 2015
The largest homeless shelter in Washing D.C. the D.C. Community for Creative Non Violence, which feeds over a thousand homeless people, experienced a world renowned guest – professional violinist Rachel Barton Pine. She has played around the world and is internationally known, but she decided to play for only a dozen people this time.
Read MoreJanuary 27, 2015
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February is generally the peak month for flu activity. This season has been dominated by H3N2 viruses, which generally lead to more severe illness.
Read More