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.
March 12, 2014
“The ear is an amazing organ that causes one to suspect that evolution had music and musicians in mind,” writes Dr. Marshall Chasin in his book Hear the Music: Hearing Loss Prevention for Musicians. The two most common causes of inner ear hearing loss are noise/music exposure and hearing loss associated with aging. While being […]
Read MoreMarch 12, 2014
Editor’s Note: Always check with a physician before beginning a new physical activity, especially if you have an existing injury or are experiencing pain. According to certified Kripalu yoga instructor Mia Olson, author of Musician’s Yoga: A Guide to Practice, Performance, and Inspiration (Berklee Press, 2009), there are many ways that musicians can benefit from […]
Read MoreMarch 12, 2014
Editor’s Note: This article uses research from a variety of medical sources. The AFM does not endorse the advice given in this article and urges working musicians to seek professional medical advice when dealing with physical complaints. Practically all musicians use their hands to play, yet despite the importance of the appendages to the working […]
Read MoreMarch 12, 2014
Akron, Ohio, natives and AFM Local 24 (Akron, OH) members Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney of The Black Keys remain loyal to their roots. Recalling how Little League was a positive influence in their childhoods, the duo first sponsored a team last year, the West Akron Orioles, who had “The Black Keys” printed on their […]
Read MoreMarch 12, 2014
Billboard’s listing of highest paid musicians in 2013 ranked Taylor Swift of Local 257 (Nashville, TN) in the top spot earning $39,699,576, followed by Local 257 member Kenny Chesney who earned $32,956,240 this year. The results were based on data from Nielsen SoundScan and Broad Data Systems, Boxscore stats, and include sales and spins on […]
Read MoreMarch 6, 2014
As the Minnesota Orchestra returns to work, I am filled with the hope that this year will bring some semblance of normalcy to the symphonic world. If there is anything positive to have come out of the tragic and unprecedented events in Minnesota, it has to be the incredible solidarity and resolve demonstrated by the […]
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March 6, 2014
Sleep can affect every aspect of a musician’s performance, yet the lifestyle of professional musicians often leaves them prone to insomnia, both acute and chronic. According to the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) Insomnia Research Center, insomnia is difficulty falling asleep or staying a sleep. Acute insomnia is brief, often due to a temporary circumstance, and […]
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