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.
September 30, 2020
Nashville Picker is One-of-a-Kind You don’t often hear a Music City drawl layered on top of a Russian accent, but that’s far from the only way that Nashville picker Ilya Toshinskiy is one-of-a-kind. Born in Obninsk, a small city about an hour south of Moscow, Toshinskiy got his childhood musical start on the classical guitar. […]
Read MoreSeptember 30, 2020
As everyone knows all too well, the COVID-19 pandemic has decimated the music industry. Whether it is from the prohibition of live music in bars and restaurants, the furloughing of orchestral players, or the shuttering of recording studios, musicians have been walking a high wire for seven months. Everyone has been wondering where their next […]
Read MoreSeptember 30, 2020
August Pappas’ crafty arrangement of Schubert’s Impromptu No. 3 captures the Romantic Style aspects of Schubert’s music and makes them available for keyboard percussionists. Originally composed in the unusual key of G-flat major, Pappas has transposed it to C major to better function on a standard-ranged vibraphone. Franz Schubert Impromptu No. 3 (for Solo Vibraphone), […]
Read MoreSeptember 30, 2020
A beautiful cantabile song without words, A Song from the Heart has all of Ewazen’s expressive elegance and is a perfect recital piece both for students and professionals. Originally composed for trumpet and piano, this lyrical work has been transcribed for trombone by the composer. A Song From the Heart (for Trombone and Piano), by […]
Read MoreSeptember 30, 2020
When SSD Negotiator Chris Durham passed away on August 22, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer, musicians everywhere lost a fierce advocate.
Read MoreSeptember 29, 2020
Published in early 1806, Kreutzer’s 40 Études ou Caprices for violin—there are 42 today—are the product of his years-long employment at the Conservatoire de Paris and are the most comprehensive collection of studies from his quill. Their systematic and complete reappraisal of essential violin technique make them an indispensable tool of the trade for every […]
Read MoreSeptember 1, 2020
An aerosol study commissioned by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), and a coalition of more than 125 performing arts organizations has generated a second set of preliminary results that provides further optimism for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on performing arts activities. Preceded by […]
Read MoreAugust 31, 2020
The International Executive Board of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) has announced its endorsement of Joe Biden for president in the 2020 election. In announcing the union’s endorsement, AFM International President Raymond M. Hair, Jr. issued the following statement: “For musicians who are concerned about providing for […]
Read MoreAugust 31, 2020
This fall, Alex Laing, principal clarinet for the Phoenix Symphony and member of Local 586 (Phoenix, AZ), will lead a five-week, online professional development course for professional musicians in The Juilliard School’s Evening Division. “Advancing an Anti-Racist Orchestra Model: A Course for Professional Musicians,” is a new offering aimed at helping professional musicians who want […]
Read MoreAugust 31, 2020
In a CBA modified to address the financial challenges of COVID-19, musicians of the San Diego Symphony—represented by Local 325 (San Diego, CA)—have accepted a pay cut of approximately 33% for the 2020/21 season, with a reduction in working weeks from 42 to 24. Musicians will not receive cartage, seniority, or move up pay; and […]
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