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.
April 1, 2021
A recent report has detailed the economic impact of the US music industry state by state, and the results have been added to a new interactive website created by 10 music industry organizations. The music industry creates $170 billion in value annually to the US economy, supports 2.47 million jobs across a wide range of […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2021
On March 6, the House passed HR 842, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), by a vote of 225 to 206. The legislation would make it easier for workers to join and form unions by empowering the National Labor Relations Board to levy fines and by extending collective bargaining rights to independent contractors—a major win […]
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Named for a three-tiered cave system owned by the US Forest Service, this fantasy musically explores the wonders of this “living” cave. Flavored with jazz harmonies and intricate counterpoint, the piece by T.O. Sterrett of Local 802 (New York City) brings you the shimmer, wonder, and majesty of this grand work of Nature. Blanchard Caverns […]
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In her latest book, harpist Felice Pomeranz, of Local 9-535 (Boston, MA), teaches both pedal and lever players how to become a better improvising harpist. Learn basic chords, chord symbols, and harmonic progressions used in a wide range of music, as well as how to play in styles such as jazz, blues, swing, bossa nova, […]
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Alongside his symphonies, chamber works, songs, and two major piano sonatas, Charles Ives wrote a number of short, groundbreaking works for solo piano. This second volume of The Complete Shorter Works for Piano of Charles Ives is the first publication of the complete extant studies for solo piano. Charles E. Ives Piano Studies: Shorter Works […]
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This drama for trombone and orchestra reflects the inner turbulence of Michelangelo’s drawing Madonna del Silenzio on which the work is based. The trombone takes on many roles: from the quiet, inner voice of the Madonna as she gazes in contemplation at the child, later singing a hymn and, towards the end of the work, […]
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Combo Drum Key GrooveTech’s new DK Multi is a four-in-one drum key multi-tool designed to combine style with functionality. The centerpiece is a drum key socket optimized for proper fit on the tension rod nut for minimal free play. What separates the DK Multi from other drum keys is the addition of three hex wrenches—2mm, […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2021
Canadian blues guitarist JW-Jones joined the AFM nearly 18 years ago, primarily for the visa assistance when touring the US that membership offered him. He has been a member in good standing ever since, but, honestly, he says, he has taken his union for granted. The COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown of the music industry, […]
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Hot Like Fire The Growling Sax Red Lava Special Edition Saxophone by Victory Music Instruments is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding musician, with great intonation, sound, and ergonomics. The brass Bb professional tenor saxophone’s features include: high F#, Italian pisoni pads, blue steel springs, enlarged bell, matte black body and lava […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2021
How to Make First Chair guides musicians step-by-step through the preparation for successful auditions and performances. Musicians of all ages and abilities will gain knowledge of how to pace practice sessions, understand what judges listen for, and how to be prepared for anything on audition day. How to Make First Chair: A Step-by-Step Guide to […]
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