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.
March 25, 2015
Basics in Jazz Arranging covers how to find the right song, how to adapt songs to the jazz style, how to set up your first small-group charts, and how to write for brass and woodwinds
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The 2016 AFM Convention is less than a year and a half away. That may seem a long way off, but in reality, it will be upon us sooner than we think. Now is the time locals should begin preparing and making plans to attend the convention.
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Theatre Musicians Association (TMA) has been quite busy in the past year. I can think of no better way to demonstrate this than by writing about what the Executive Board and volunteer committees have been up to in the TMA’s year review.
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Held in Kansas City, Missouri, the Folk Alliance International (FAI) Conference is the world’s largest gathering of the folk music industry and community, with more than 3,000 attendees that include artists and industry professionals.
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“We’ll all play a concert when I’m healthy again and we’ll call it ‘Cancer Blows’.” Eventually, Anthony’s light-hearted comment became a real event to raise awareness and money for cancer research.
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The first 10 seconds are the most crucial to winning over an audience. How you walk onto the stage is important. It gives the audience an idea of who and what is important.
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Revenue Canada and the IRS require tax numbers, both from individuals and businesses, for a variety of reasons, make sure you know all of them.
Read MoreMarch 25, 2015
Unfortunately, our health care system is not set up for easy comparison shopping. Here are some tips for saving money on health care in 2015.
Read MoreMarch 25, 2015
Pianist, producer, and songwriter Allen Toussaint, longtime member of Local 174-496 is one such musician. “I love everything about New Orleans,” he says.
Read MoreMarch 25, 2015
Debra Reilly of Local 45 (Allentown, PA) is in her 26th year playing viola in the Allentown Symphony. She is also an accomplished teacher and was recently named a finalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award.
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