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.
January 9, 2014Read More
January 1, 2014
This unique learning method, will help students recognize the “shapes” of chords and intervals, and to use the logic and patterns to help place fingers on the correct keys. It also covers proper use of pedals, chordal accompaniment, transposition, and tips for selecting a piano or keyboard. Designed for beginning through advanced classical pianists, it […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2014
One of the most important recording engineers of the 20th Century shares his intimate memories of working with some of the most important artists in crafting sounds that have influenced and inspired generations of musicians. Ken Scott shares his tales of studio and stage on more than 400 pages, including never-before-seen photographs and technical details. […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2014
Kathy Mattea of Local 257 is considered one of the all-time most successful female country musicians. In her more than three-decade career she has had around 30 top 40 country hits, won a couple Grammys, and she’s twice been named Female Vocalist of the Year by the Country Music Association. Born and raised in West […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2014
by Bruce Fife, AFM International Vice President and President of Local 99 (Portland, OR) fairTrade Music S When Future of Music Coalition (FMC) held its October Policy Summit in Washington, DC, the top minds in music, policy, technology, and law convened to talk about our industry, the directions it’s taking, and how we might guide […]
Read MoreDecember 1, 2013
by John O’Connor, Local 802 Recording Vice President and Chair of the AFM Organizing Committee The following article was reprinted from the September 2013 issue of Allegro, the magazine of AFM Local 802 (New York City). For more background, see www.Local802afm.org. Adversity is often our best teacher. The case can be made that this is […]
Read MoreDecember 1, 2013Read More
December 1, 2013Read More
December 1, 2013Read More
December 1, 2013
Tina Morrison – AFM International Executive Board Member and President of Local 105 (Spokane, WA) Last summer I witnessed a conversation between four bassists at our local and I have been ruminating on the information exchanged. One bassist is of retirement age (not from music); one is in his early 20s. Two are symphonic performers. […]
Read More