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 1, 2014
This Allora Black Nickel Pocket Trumpet (Bb) is as functional as it is fun to play. Its sharp black nickel plate finish makes it the perfect trumpet for players who want a cool novelty instrument with a great sound. Its compact size makes the Allora 5801especially well-suited for travel. It features stainless steel valves, a […]
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2014
Weighing in at just 25 pounds, Casio Privia PX-350 is the ideal, lightweight, superb-sounding digital piano that gigging players have been dreaming about. It has all the features a pro needs: 88 scaled hammer-action keys, Casio’s best grand piano sound onboard, a total of 250 expressive sounds, MIDI, USB, quarter-inch headphone and output jacks, and […]
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2014Read More
February 1, 2014
The Fender Vaporizer tube amp looks like it was teleported here from the ’50s. Featuring two 10-inch, 16-ohm, special design Vaporizer speakers, two inputs, and a quarter-inch speaker output, it stands a tidy 17 inches tall. It has stripped down controls, a built-in reverb, and a retro-styled, single-channel, 12-watt amplifier. The “Space Race” looking chassis […]
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2014Read More
January 29, 2014
Legendary Folk singer, Pete Seeger, dies at 94. Pete Seeger was a member of AFM, Local 802 & Local 1000, for over 70 years. Seeger was well-known for being part of the American folk revival as well as a social activist. Click here to read the New York Times article on the folk on Seeger’s […]
Read MoreJanuary 28, 2014
On January 28, David Lowery of Local 123 (Richmond, VA), a musician and faculty member of the University of Georgia’s Music Business Program testified before the US House of Representatives subcommittee concerning copyright law. Lowery, an outspoken proponent of artists’ rights is also frontman for the rock bands Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven. You can read a transcript of […]
Read MoreJanuary 15, 2014
According to drum educator Dom Famularo, Daily Drumset Workout is “your personal drumming coach to take you step-by-step and feel your ideas come alive.” Dedicated drummer, teacher, and author Claus Hessler has researched and discovered the best ways to learn. He’ll teach you new rhythmic skills that facilitate greater security and musical freedom no matter […]
Read MoreJanuary 15, 2014
This book contains in-depth lessons and two CDs of performances by drumming greats such as Local 47 members Gregg Bissonette, Peter Erskine, and Dave Weckl, and Local 298 (Niagara Region, ON) member Neil Peart. In 26 lessons, eight legendary drummers reveal their secrets to solos, fills, double-bass grooves, polyrhythms, sticking and ostinato patterns, as well […]
Read MoreJanuary 15, 2014
Edited by piano professors Ingrid Jacobson Clarfield and Phyllis Alpert Lehrer, the Classics for the Developing Pianist: Core Repertoire for Study and Performance series presents 100 master works selected for developing pianists. Each book has 20 pieces from the four main periods, as well as additional suggestions for 20th century repertoire. The books are progressively […]
Read More