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
The hundreds of thousands of workers who arrive in the US on temporary work visas each year are vulnerable to exploitation because they rely on word of mouth from community members and recruiters when weighing temporary visa and job opportunities. A new online tool called Contratados (contradados.org) gives workers more power in the process by […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
Author Doug Redler, who has been a guitar tech to the Black Crowes, Goo Goo Dolls, the Dixie Chicks, the B-52s, Paul Simon, and more, shares his trade secrets to reveal how anyone with a little mechanical ability can maintain their own gear. He covers such topics as proper stringing techniques, evaluating the guitar neck, […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
Hal Leonard’s Cheat Sheets series includes intros and interludes, lyrics and chords, in an easy to follow format for guitar or piano. The books are bound for ease of display on the piano or music stand and designed for minimal page turns. Among the 100 Classic Rock piano cheat sheets are: “Candle in the Wind” […]
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The Gretsch Limited Edition G6137TCB Panther Center-Block guitar features a beautiful deep double-cutaway three-ply maple body with a 16-inch lower bout, arched top and back, and elegant f-holes. The model is named for its long spruce center block that runs the entire length of the body to minimize body-resonant feedback and produce a spirited, lively […]
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Designed with professional audio engineers in mind, SRH940 Headphones from Shure deliver accurate response across the entire audio spectrum for smooth high-end extension with tight bass. The collapsible, lightweight design with premium padded headband offers superior comfort and portability. Two included detachable cables (straight and coiled) and a replacement set of velour ear pads ensure […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
On Thursday, October 16, the AFM’s New York office celebrated milestone anniversaries of dedicated staff members Elizabeth Blake, Diane DePiro, Patrick Varriale, Lew Mancini, Kim Wysocki, and Judy Vizueta. The AFM-hosted luncheon acknowledged these key employees’ combined total years of service—an astounding 236 years (a number some colleagues thought was “made up”). Things have certainly […]
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Yamaha’s Motif XF is the only Music Production Synthesizer on the market that’s available in white. It comes with 741 MB of internal wave ROM, and includes realistic digital re-creation of two grand piano sounds, acoustic instruments, vintage synths, and hip-hop sounds. Sturdy front panel knobs and sliders allow for quick changes during performance […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
Last year PRS Guitars introduced a 100-watt monster high gain amp head with bone-crushing crunch. This year’s Archon 50 continues that tradition in a tight package suitable for all genres and all spaces, no matter how big or small. With 50 watts, switchable to 25, via the amp’s back panel, the Archon 50 breaks up […]
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Pearl’s popular Export Series drum kit is now available with a lacquer finish. EXL Export Lacquer Series incorporates Pearl’s Superior Shell Technology that puts sound first by blending premium poplar and rich mahogany for a lush, full-body tone. The kit also features Opti-Loc tom mounts, all-new 830 series hardware with a P-930 pedal, and a […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2014
In October, the New York City Council Committee on Cultural Affairs passed Resolution 207-A that endorses the Justice for Jazz Artists Campaign to improve the lives of jazz musicians working in New York City’s jazz clubs by providing retirement security through fair pay, pension contributions, recording rights protection, and processes for addressing grievances. New York’s […]
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