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 1, 2021
Combo Drum Key GrooveTech’s new DK Multi is a four-in-one drum key multi-tool designed to combine style with functionality. The centerpiece is a drum key socket optimized for proper fit on the tension rod nut for minimal free play. What separates the DK Multi from other drum keys is the addition of three hex wrenches—2mm, […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2021
Canadian blues guitarist JW-Jones joined the AFM nearly 18 years ago, primarily for the visa assistance when touring the US that membership offered him. He has been a member in good standing ever since, but, honestly, he says, he has taken his union for granted. The COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown of the music industry, […]
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Hot Like Fire The Growling Sax Red Lava Special Edition Saxophone by Victory Music Instruments is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding musician, with great intonation, sound, and ergonomics. The brass Bb professional tenor saxophone’s features include: high F#, Italian pisoni pads, blue steel springs, enlarged bell, matte black body and lava […]
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How to Make First Chair guides musicians step-by-step through the preparation for successful auditions and performances. Musicians of all ages and abilities will gain knowledge of how to pace practice sessions, understand what judges listen for, and how to be prepared for anything on audition day. How to Make First Chair: A Step-by-Step Guide to […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2021
In February, more than 85 AFM members participated in the union’s first legislative advocacy phone bank, reaching out to fellow musicians in congressional districts key to the future of the Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act of 2021. The AFM Organizing and Education Department worked with AFM player conferences to engage members of the International Conference of Symphony […]
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The Utah Symphony was scheduled to resume concerts for live audiences on March 25 with the re-opening of its home venue, Abravanel Hall. Social distancing, face coverings, and other health and safety guidelines were laid out in re-opening plans. Altogether, the Utah Symphony has six programs planned through the end of May. Abravenel Hall had […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2021
Musicians and management of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic are in arbitration after meetings with a federal mediator failed to produce a resolution to a six-month labor dispute. In September 2020, management canceled the orchestra’s 2020-21 season and backed out of the musicians’ contract, invoking force majeure. The next day, management offered the musicians an alternate […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2021
This installment in the Modern Drummer Legends series about drummer Alex Van Halen of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), includes Van Halen’s three Modern Drummer cover stories, transcriptions of classic Van Halen tracks, beats, and fills, a deep dive into his unique snare sound, and a 2020 interview. Modern Drummer Legends: Alex Van Halen, Modern […]
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This collection, compiled by Sonora Slocum, principal flutist of the Milwaukee Symphony and member of Local 8 (Milwaukee, WI) and Local 802 (New York City), features some of the most popular flute repertoire by French composers, including Busser, Faure, Gaubert, Hue, Ravel, Saint-Saens, and Taffanel. French Music for Flute, compiled by Sonora Slocum, Alphonse Leduc […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2021
This collection presents 31 pieces by 15 composers for intermediate to advanced level players. Pieces include works by Bach, Beethoven, Dvorak, Brahms, Handel, Mozart, Leclair, Seitz, Tchaikovsky, Telemann, and Schubert. Includes piano accompaniment part. Giant Book of Violin Classics (for Violin and Piano), G. Schirmer, Inc., www.halleonard.com.
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