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.
February 17, 2014
JoAnn Falletta keeps a diary of poems, all about inspirational moments in her professional life. Most have to do with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO), where Falletta has been music director since 1991 and 1999, respectively. “The poems are all about the musicians in the orchestra and their special qualities, […]
Read MoreFebruary 17, 2014
Most would call a four-decade music career impressive in and of itself, but for Michael Martin Murphey of Local 433 (Austin, TX), there is much more to come. Murphey began his professional career in the music industry in 1960s. Surprisingly, he says he got a late start compared to other artists of his era. “I […]
Read MoreFebruary 17, 2014
Brass Master Randy Brecker balances family life and his love for creating music When your career spans several decades, like that of Randy Brecker of Local 802 (New York City), diversity helps keep things fresh. Some cities and communities are rife with diverse musical talent and ambition, and in those locations, influence is almost inevitable. […]
Read MoreFebruary 17, 2014
A Vietnam veteran, unaware of how impactive his words would be, once said to Billy Ray Cyrus: “All gave some, but some gave all.” This statement greatly affected the aspiring songwriter. In 1989, using the vet’s memorable phrase as a mantra, Cyrus wrote “Some Gave All,” the title track from his debut record. Released in […]
Read MoreFebruary 17, 2014
Jazz pianist and vocalist Kate Reid of Local 47 (Los Angeles) remembers jazz music as an integral part of her daily routine as a teenager in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. “Every morning before high school, my brother would listen to Count Basie and Duke Ellington,” she recalls. “Four years straight, I heard them every morning.” Reid’s […]
Read MoreFebruary 17, 2014
Concept albums and sprawling, complex song structures have been somewhat of a trademark for progressive metal act Mastodon. Which is why, with the release of its stripped-down, fifth studio album, The Hunter, there has been a lot of buzz about the band’s alleged attempt to make music that’s more commercially viable. “That’s something that’s definitely […]
Read MoreFebruary 17, 2014
Pat Metheny of Local 34-627 (Kansas City, MO) is one of the most versatile guitarists and composers ever. He’s had Grammy nominations in numerous categories, and although he’s most well known as a jazz guitarist, much of his music resists categorization, and that’s exactly how he wants it to be. Metheny was raised in the […]
Read MoreFebruary 17, 2014
Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member Norman Ludwin will offer a half-day orchestration seminar to members of Local 161-710 (Washington, DC), Local 9-535 (Boston, MA), and Local 149 (Toronto, ON) this spring. Ludwin has been working in the recording industry as an orchestrator and bassist for more than 35 years. Recent orchestration credits include Priest, Super-8, and John Carter. […]
Read MoreFebruary 17, 2014
In a February press release the Writers Guild of America, East, announced its opposition to the Comcast/NBCUniversal takeover of Time Warner, reiterating concerns over consolidation in both distribution and production portions of the media industry that it expressed in 2010 about Comcast’s takeover of NBCUniversal. Comcast/NBCUniversal is currently thwarting efforts of writer-producers at NBCUniversal-owned Peacock Productions to […]
Read MoreFebruary 16, 2014
On February 13, President Barack Obama announced his nomination of Dr. Jane Chu as Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. Chu is President and CEO of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri, a position she has held since 2006. Chu received a B.M. in Piano Performance and a B.M.Ed. in Music […]
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