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.
November 1, 2014
by Robert Baird, President Baird Artists Management (BAM!) Artists often ask if they can cross a border freely to do a showcase, enter a competition, or for other business purposes. Sometimes it is possible to do so without a visa or to use a different form of visa. Every artist needs to adopt the Boy […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
by John Stiernberg, member Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) There’s a difference between your strategic plan and your operating plan. The strategic plan describes the foundation of your business over the next three to five years. Your operating plan answers the question, “How am I going to hit the numbers this year and next?” What […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
The Lexington Philharmonic has ratified a new contract, which will be in effect through June 2018. Negotiations began in April. The musicians’ previous contract expired at the end of June. The agreement provides for modest increases in both wages and mileage reimbursement. It also clarifies language regarding auditions, the musician peer review process, procedures for […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
For the fourth consecutive year, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra saw record-breaking ticket sales and fundraising in fiscal year 2014. Contributed revenue totaled $57 million and ticket sales totaled $22.4 million, with subscriptions accounting for half of sales. While the subscription percentage has dropped significantly since the 1980s and 1990s, when it was at 85% or […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
Musicians and management of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra (NSO) have reached a four-year agreement. The new contract offers musicians 3% raises in the first two years; in each of the last two years wages will be open to renegotiation. This is a step forward, following the 15% pay cut musicians took last year when Schermerhorn […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
New York State music industry stakeholders, including AFM Local 802 (New York City), The Recording Academy, and BMI, among many others, have formed the New York Is Music coalition to increase awareness for the music industry’s economic impact; advocate for initiatives to retain/grow music industry jobs; and support music heritage and education in New York […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
Famous Saxophone Solos presents clear transcriptions for some of the best-known smooth jazz, rock, and R&B saxophone soloists. Meticulously detailed, these transcriptions give you insight into the musicians behind the pieces. Among the 17 solos included are “Still Crazy After All These Years” (Michael Brecker), “Ooh Baby Baby” (David Sanborn), “Morning Dance” (Jay Beckenstein), “I […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
An October 19 concert hosted by Joe Uehlein, a member of Local 161-710 (Washington, DC) and 1000 (nongeographic), paid tribute to the late Pete Seeger. Proceeds from the concert benefited the Cultural Works Collective, an organization dedicated to integrating art and activism, which Seeger helped found. Among those performing at the concert were Local 1000 […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
The late J. David Ramsey, a former US Forest Service worker, bequeathed a $1.1 million gift to the Sacramento Region Community Foundation to benefit regional classical music organizations. Included is $387,462 for the Sacramento Philharmonic Foundation, $232,477 for the Grass Valley-based Music in the Mountains, and $232,477 to the Chamber Music Society of Sacramento. The […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
This Home Recording Handbook will show you how to use affordable equipment to make high quality recordings. The book covers the whole process—choosing equipment, software, microphones; tracking; mixing; mastering; using compression, EQ, and outboard effects; building a recording room; how to record various instruments and vocals; and more. This comprehensive guide comes with a 98-track CD […]
Read More