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.
March 1, 2021
On January 15, the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS) rolled out its “Recommended Audition and Tenure Guidelines.” NAAS is a collaborative effort of The Sphinx Organization, the New World Symphony, and the League of American Orchestras, with substantial input and leadership from Black and Latinx professional musicians. The audition and tenure guidelines were the […]
Read MoreMarch 1, 2021
A new contract for musicians of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) went into effect January 4. The agreement comes after a period of high tensions between musicians and management. Representing KSO’s musicians, Local 546 (Knoxville, TN) filed a labor grievance after the musicians were furloughed with less than a week’s notice in August. Under the […]
Read MoreMarch 1, 2021
On January 14, the Pacific Symphony announced a three-year musicians’ contract extension, effective through August 31, 2024. The agreement reduces wages by 30% in the current season, but restores salaries by the 2023-24 season. It also establishes a bi-weekly, rather than per-service, pay structure. Orchestra musicians are members of Local 7 (Orange County, CA).
Read MoreMarch 1, 2021
On November 26, 2020, the musicians of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, members of Local 6 (San Francisco, CA), ratified a two-year extension agreement of their 2015-20 agreement that runs from December 1, 2020, through November 30, 2022. The musicians and management had steady communication from March until reaching agreement in late November; a mediator […]
Read MoreMarch 1, 2021
It is going to be quite a tax season this year. Many tax preparers (including me) since last March have gone virtual for their own safety as well as for the safety of their clients. With the technologywe have available to us now, documents can be securely uploaded to cloud portals, meetings can be done […]
Read MoreMarch 1, 2021
Representatives of multiple arts, entertainment, and media unions on February 12 announced a new policy agenda aimed at advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their respective industries. During a press conference, hosted by the AFL-CIO’s Department of Professional Employees, the union leaders called on Congress to take action on multiple fronts, including: Passing the […]
Read MoreMarch 1, 2021
The David Angel Jazz Ensemble Out on the Coast is a triple CD set released by the David Angel Jazz Ensemble, a Los Angeles-based 13-piece jazz band. The style of the music—which is all composed or arranged by David Angel—is described as “Gil Evans meets J.S. Bach with all 13 musicians playing polyphonic lines.” It […]
Read MoreMarch 1, 2021
As I approach my 50th year, I have decided to learn how to play the ukulele. It does not come naturally, but I have the mindfulness to keep practicing and to be kind to myself when I want to quit. What Do I Mean by Mindfulness? Mindfulness, according to Jon Kabat-Zin, founder of MBSR (mindfulness-based […]
Read MoreMarch 1, 2021
Learn how to efficiently use your online presence to promote your band, your music, or yourself with the totally revised third edition. The updated book reveals the latest insider tips on how to use both the most popular social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok in conjunction with your website and mailing list […]
Read MoreMarch 1, 2021
Tableaux de peintres russes (The Pictures of Russian Painters) is one of the most popular compositions for piano of prominent 20th century Ukrainian composer Igor Shamo. The pieces burst with rich imagery, poetry, lyricism and humor, drama and energy. They highlight the characteristic features of Shamo’s musical style: beautiful melodic lines, enriched by suave harmonies, […]
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