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.

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Health, Resources

Too Loud, Too Close, Too Long: Musicians Suffer Career Ending Acoustic Shock

Seated directly in front of the brass section, he suffered acoustic shock, the result of sound that exceeded 130 decibels.


Cleaning Your Wind Instrument Could Be Life or Death.

Cleaning your wind instrument isn’t just a matter of aesthetics, it could be a matter of life or death. According to an article published in the journal General Dentistry, many woodwind and brass instruments are heavily contaminated with bacteria and fungi.


Migraines: Help for More Pain-Free Days

Those who suffer from migraines experience severe, debilitating throbbing pain, often occurring on one side of the head. Attacks frequently cause disabling symptoms. Visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fainting, and severe sensitivity to light, sound, touch, and smell, are common.


Tai Chi and the Musician: How This Martial Art Could Help Your Career

The life of a professional musician is mentally and physically demanding. A musician’s mind is taxed with the need to memorize complex music, spontaneously improvise, and maintain focus during performance, all while putting repetitive strain on the body from hours of practice. While studying for his master’s degree, musician Joe Rea Phillips discovered the benefits of martial arts for musicians.


Preventing and Managing Wrist Tendinitis

Due to repetitive motions, instrumentalists are prone to overuse injuries of the wrist and hand.


The Season for Sneezin’: Dealing with Allergic Rhinitis

According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), each year 17.9 million adults and 7.1 million children are diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever.


Eating Healthy on the Fly: Don’t Let Fast Food Slow You Down

For musicians on the road, eating healthy food can be hard. Restaurants and mini-mart offerings can add unwanted calories quickly, but they are often the only option.


2018 Brings Group Health Insurance Plan and New Members to Local 257

In December, AFM Local 257 (Nashville, TN), working with longtime health insurance advocate RJ Stillwell and his company Sound Healthcare, introduced three Blue Cross Blue Shield group health insurance plans available to members. The plans are all ACA compliant—one HSA qualified bronze plan and two silver plans.


A Drug-Free Way to a Pain-Free Back

Chronic lower back pain may be the result of trauma or repetitive overuse injuries of the spine, intervertebral discs, ligaments, joint capsules, and muscles.


Easing Jet Lag: A Biochemist Weighs In

Advancements are on the horizon to easing jet lag. Musicians are no strangers to daytime fatigue and nighttime insomnia due to air travel.








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