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.
December 1, 2013
The November 5 elections saw big wins for working families. There were groundbreaking minimum wage increases in New Jersey and Washington State. New Jersey voters voted in favor of a constitutional amendment raising it $1, from $7.25 to $8.25. In Washington, a ballot measure will raise wages for more than 6,000 airport workers to $15 […]
Read MoreNovember 10, 2013
Symphonic Composer Moonlights as a Rock Star Though many rock fans still identify Stewart Copeland with the nine years he spent as founder and drummer of the Police, those in the classical music world have come to respect his composing, which has been the Local 802 (New York City) member’s focus for the past 30 […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2013
Though musicians dream of a full, totally engrossed audience, some of them take the stage with almost paralyzing feelings of anxiety. Stage fright threatens to destroy their concentration and sabotage their flawless performance. Here are some strategies you can try to help overcome performance anxiety. Preparation Close to your performance night, put yourself through several […]
Read MoreNovember 1, 2013Read More
November 1, 2013Read More
November 1, 2013
Trumpet Teaching Couple Offers Diverse Approaches Since Arban’s Complete Conservatory Method for Trumpet was published by Jean-Baptiste Arban in 1864, it has never been out of print. The tried and true pedagogical method and extraordinary span of exercises has proven effective over time. So much so, that professional players like husband and wife team, Tom […]
Read MoreOctober 10, 2013
Student of Saxophone Saxophonist Teodross Avery got a jump on his career, scoring a record deal in college. Then came opportunities to work with everyone from Aretha Franklin to Tommy Flanagan, and even Matchbox Twenty. Today, he can be found on the University of Southern California (USC) campus where he is teaching and working on […]
Read MoreSeptember 1, 2013
Jim Brickman of Local 4 (Cleveland, OH) jumped into the music industry early. While still in school in 1980, he started his own company, The Brickman Arrangement, from his dorm room at the Cleveland Institute of Music. He used his natural inclination toward hook writing and his pop sensibilities to start composing jingles for companies […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2009
By the time Sonny Rollins was seven, it was pretty clear he had an intense desire to give the saxophone a try. We can all be glad he did…
Read MoreFebruary 26, 2006
“I’m a reluctant star,” says Ron Carter, humbly. “I’m always surprised when projects are offered to me by strangers, even pop singers, whom I don’t know. I’m taken aback that they’ve heard of me and know enough about my integrity and professionalism to approach me.”
Read More