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 22, 2014
In April the Musicians Hall of Fame, located in Nashville, Tennessee, announced that it is accepting nominees from AFM members for 2015 induction. It has created a special web link (ww.musicianshalloffame.com/nominations) to simplify the process of nominating peers. Each member may nominate up to 10 musicians, two producers, two arrangers, and two engineers. Nominations will […]
Read MoreApril 18, 2014
The M80 electric guitar case was designed from the inside out to be the lightest, thinnest, strongest, most versatile carrying solution for professional musicians. Smart features like Clip and Tuck straps make for comfortable carrying and stowing. An innovative patented neckbrace design provides maximum protection. Your guitar quickly straps in and remains stable during transport. […]
Read MoreApril 17, 2014
The Samson Meteorite is a USB condenser microphone that produces rich audio recordings for any application. Featuring a 14mm diaphragm, Meteorite’s smooth, flat frequency response and CD-quality 16-bit, 44.1/48kHz resolution give you professional sound reproduction features in an ultra-portable design. The Meteorite mounts to a removable magnetic base that gives the mic a full range […]
Read MoreApril 15, 2014
The ESP Acoustic Resonant Chamber (ARC) thinline electric LTD series guitars offer sharp design and high-end features at an interesting price. The ARC-6 nylon string guitar has a rosewood fingerboard Graphtech NuBone-XB nuts and saddles. It comes in either black with a maple top or mahogany with a natural top with a chambered mahogany body. […]
Read MoreApril 13, 2014
The Magnus T-Rex guitar effect pedal board has five classic T-Rex pedals built into its compact sturdy frame. Overdrive, distortion, delay, reverb, and boost pedals all deliver the legendary vintage tone and uncomplicated operation T-Rex is famous for. Use Magnus in Live mode, switching individual effects on and off, and adjusting them while you play, […]
Read MoreApril 12, 2014
“As a clarinet player, my jaw aches, clicks, and sometimes locks up from playing regularly. I have been getting chiropractic care for the past two years and have noticed a decrease in achiness, clicking. Also, my posture is better while playing, and that helps keep my body relaxed as I play,” says Jessica Weimer, band […]
Read MoreApril 11, 2014
Roland’s RD-800 stage 88-note piano offers a sleek look and upgraded features, like hammer-action design for premium weighted touch. It includes more than 1,000 sounds, including authentic grand piano, a variety of authentic vintage electric pianos, organs, and synths. Its color LCD and lighted panel knobs provide easy visibility on dark stages. Lightweight design makes […]
Read MoreApril 10, 2014
The Self-Described Leading Post Post-Feminist Feminist All-Female Horn Experience Is Redefining Chamber Music Genghis Barbie’s sense of fun leaves audiences smiling, while their virtuosity leaves them speechless.
Read MoreApril 10, 2014
In the middle of the 20th century, managers and music directors of American symphony orchestras held autocratic power over their institutions. Nowhere was this more true than in Washington, DC, where the National Symphony was performing under its second music director, Howard Mitchell. Mitchell had been the orchestra’s principal cellist when he was appointed music […]
Read MoreApril 10, 2014
In a letter to the National Labor Relations Board, the American Guild of Musical Artists, representing singers and chorus members of the San Diego Opera, requested an injunction to freeze the opera’s assets. According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, the letter cited a portion of labor law that allows the agency to go to federal […]
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