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.
August 1, 2014
by Barbara Owens, AFM SSD Field Services Representative, Midwest Territory, and Negotiator As musicians, we often lead with our emotions, whether or not we are playing our instruments. We are emotionally invested in all aspects of our musical lives, and that investment often motivates us to take on additional tasks and challenges. Unfortunately, sometimes we can […]
Read MoreAugust 1, 2014
The Florida Orchestra (TFO) has announced the appointment of Michael Francis as its new music director with a three-year contract beginning in the 2015-2016 season. Francis will serve as music director designate during the 2014-2015 season, conducting two masterworks programs. Although his primary role is with the Masterworks series, he will also conduct one Raymond […]
Read MoreAugust 1, 2014
The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and Musicians’ Association of Hawaii, Local 677 (Honolulu, HI), are pleased to announce a new two-year agreement that will run through June 2016. It includes a minimum 14-weeks of employment each year, adding two additional weeks to accommodate more diverse programming and outreach. HSO’s 2014-2015 season will celebrate the 50th anniversary […]
Read MoreJuly 31, 2014
Jazz Theory: From Basic to Advanced Study Written as a means to bridge the gap between theory and practice for amateur and professional musicians, this book provides a strong theoretical foundation. It begins with music fundamentals and moves through post-tonal theory, integrating ear training, keyboard skills, and improvisation. The included DVD has 46 play-along audio […]
Read MoreJuly 30, 2014
Noncrimping Capo Designed in conjunction with Ned Steinberger, the NS Artist Capo clamps to the front of the instrument, in order to avoid obstruction of the performer’s fretting hand while playing. It’s patented design is easy to open and close and applies even tension. With its micrometer tension adjustment dial, guitarists can fine-tune the […]
Read MoreJuly 29, 2014
The Beatles: Original Keys for Singers The Beatles: Original Keys for Singers features authentic vocal/piano transcriptions for 25 Fab Four tunes in their original keys. Among the songs in the book are: “And I Love Her,” “Blackbird,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “The Fool on the Hill,” “Here, There, and Everywhere,” “I Will,” “Lady Madonna,” “Let It Be,” […]
Read MoreJuly 28, 2014
Performance of “Ring” Cycle Set to Digital Music Postponed A planned Hartford, Connecticut performance of Richard Wagner’s “Das Rheingold,” utilizing digitally-sampled sounds in lieu of a live orchestra, was postponed after several artists withdrew, some citing artistic reservations about the project. Singers, musicians, and fans objected to the idea of using sampled instruments in […]
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July 26, 2014
Method for Chromatic Harmonica Jazz harmonicist Max De Aloe first devised this method for learning chromatic harmonica to meet the needs of his own students. Unable to find a suitable method book, he put together his own teaching tools, which included an in-depth study of harmonica, as well as notation, both of which are not […]
Read MoreJuly 25, 2014
Revamped Value The Yamaha L Series acoustic guitars have been redesigned to deliver classic quality and value. Engelmann spruce tops are treated with Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (ARE) to give them the tonal richness of vintage models. Playability improvements include redesigned bracing, thinner five-ply neck design, lower string action, and wider string spacing. The simple-to-use undersaddle […]
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