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.
June 16, 2014
Musicians and management of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) have reached an agreement that will increase base salaries by 4.8% total over three years. This contract confirms that the orchestra has fully recovered from its bankruptcy in the mid-1990s and also the financial challenges faced during the recession. Jeff Solomon, president of Local 256-733 (Birmingham, […]
Read MoreJune 15, 2014
Being a performer usually involves dressing the part, whether it is casual, all black in the pit or a tux or black dress for a society gig. A very important part of your appearance is your smile. As you get older, your teeth get yellower. If you are interested in changing the shade of your […]
Read MoreJune 14, 2014
My Matchless Mother And Me In this unique recipe book, Local 427-721 (Tampa Bay, FL) member Lucille Rose D’Armi-Riggio combines her talents and passions for cooking and music. She reminds us that it’s never too late to discover a new talent through 240 pages of pure enjoyment—delicious recipes and music. In the back of the […]
Read MoreJune 13, 2014
Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member Alan de Veritch uses the wisdom gained from almost a half-century as a performer, teacher, mentor, and coach in putting together this guide to playing with sensuality. In the book, he attempts to help players expand their awareness of their inner most feelings and emotions in an effort to […]
Read MoreJune 12, 2014
A few evenings ago, I left the stage after Mahler’s Third Symphony and found a message waiting for me with the news that Carroll Bailey, Sr., a former member of Local 125 (Norfolk, VA), had died at age 91. I could not help but slump in tears.
Read MoreJune 12, 2014
The Tommy Emmanuel Experience explores the incredible talent and charisma of one of the world’s greatest guitar players. As fan Dick Ward follows Emmanuel to concerts and workshops all around the country, he discovers, not only the depth of the Australian guitarist’s genius, but the man behind the guitar as well. This is not just […]
Read MoreJune 11, 2014
Containing the heartfelt contributions of 135 industry singers, producers, engineers, coaches, doctors, agents, managers, and social media gurus, The Ultimate Guide to Singing offers singers insights that only come from years of valuable experience. The content follows a singer’s life and includes information on a wide variety of topics: getting gigs, working with gear, improving […]
Read MoreJune 10, 2014
Grammy winning Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member Nathan East is one of the most prolific working bassists of the last few decades. In 1984 he co-wrote the hit single “Easy Lover” with Phil Collins and Local 47 member Philip Bailey, launching a mind-boggling progression of successful, award-winning collaborations.
Read MoreJune 10, 2014
Welcome to a new column in International Musician that will focus on the complexities of international touring in North America. It will assist AFM members form the US touring in Canada and Canadian AFM (CFM) members touring in the US.
Read MoreJune 9, 2014
Musicians of the Phoenix Symphony have ratified a one-year agreement, six months ahead of the expiration of their current contract. The new agreement goes into effect September 15, 2014 and will cover the period through October 31, 2015. This is the fourth consecutive one-year agreement; the first included a wage freeze and the following three […]
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