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.
September 3, 2014Read More
September 3, 2014Read More
September 3, 2014
Triton Taktile The Korg Triton Taktile USB controller keyboard/synthesizer delivers the functionality that you’d expect from a MIDI controller, and does it with all 512 program sounds of the Triton. It features semi-weighted keyboard and comes loaded with functions that make it fun to play and use, such as a touch pad that lets you […]
Read MoreSeptember 3, 2014
The Magmount MM-10 Tuner The Magmount MM-10 Clip-on chromatic tuner from Meisel Accessories is extremely small and light weight. It is accurate (+/- one cent). It easily affixes to any resonant instrument via its clip. Alternatively, remove the clip and attach it magnetically to a guitar machine head or any ferrous metal part of […]
Read MoreSeptember 3, 2014
Snare Conga Cajon Toca Percussion adds a versatile, portable drum to its line-up with the Snare Conga Cajon. The fiberglass bowl is topped with a thin, responsive layer of tonewood. It is divided into two chambers—a larger chamber that produces a deep conga tone and a smaller chamber affixed with an underside snare for the […]
Read MoreSeptember 3, 2014
Samson’s Expedition XP106w Finally, an all-in-one, lightweight, portable, and rechargeable PA system that delivers clean, crisp audio for small hall live performance, classrooms, tour groups, and parties, as well as a variety of outdoor applications. Samson’s Expedition XP106w’s four-channel mixer features multiple input options with separate level controls, including an XLR-1/4-inch combo channel (microphones and other […]
Read MoreSeptember 2, 2014
SoundExchange is quickly becoming one of the most important names within the music industry. The nonprofit performance rights organization collects royalty payments from more than 2,500 digital radio services—like Pandora, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, and Music Choice—and distributes money to recording artists and record labels. To date, the organization has paid more than $2 billion in royalties […]
Read MoreSeptember 2, 2014
By: Jill Gambaro It can start during or after a performance, or in the middle of the night, seemingly out of the blue. Your finger curls down into your palm, and won’t straighten out again. Your neck remains twisted sideways even after you put down your violin. Your lip trembles when you try to play […]
Read MoreSeptember 2, 2014
It comes as quite a surprise to some musicians to find that the fee they expected to receive has had a portion withheld: 30% in the US and 15% in Canada. Tax withholding is required for nonresidents in both countries, but there are ways to avoid it. Here are two recent letters: Dear Crossing Borders, […]
Read MoreSeptember 2, 2014
The Rolling Stones Fake Book The Rolling Stones Fake Book includes 167 songs recorded by the Rolling Stones from 1963 to 1971. According to veteran music journalist Jim Bessman, these songs truly make up the bedrock of the band’s legend. All songs are arranged in complete professional-style lead sheets with riffs and figures […]
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