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.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM

International Musician, Traveling Musician

Traveling by Air? Know the Rules and Your Rights

Traveling by air? After years of negotiating, the AFM saw the implementation of standard rules regarding musical instruments on airlines. Know the rules and your rights.


Countering the Shrinking Pit with Education

This past summer, AFM conferences decided that the key, as with most things, is education. We must continue to educate in countering the shrinking pit.


Allen & Heath ME-500 Personal Mixer


The Allen & Heath ME-500 Personal Mixer is a 16-channel complement to the existing 40-channel ME-1.




Symmetrical Strings

GHS Balanced Nickels


With GHS Balanced Nickels, two covers are wrapped around the core of the bass to create each of the strings until they are symmetrical.




More ego

Superego+


The more ego, the better. The Superego+ adds to Electro-Harmonix Superego’s ability to create synth effects, sound layers, glissandos, etc.




Jensen PI-RJ2X

Jensen PI-RJ2X


The Jensen PI-RJ2X for balanced XLR connections (pictured) and CI-RJ2R for unbalanced RCA connections maintain true high-performance signal quality throughout the conversion process.




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.


US Postal Service Aids Puerto Ricans

In the weeks following Hurricane Maria’s devastation of Puerto Rico, the most reliable system of communication was the US Postal Service.


Second Dudamel Tour Canceled

Another Dudamel Tour Canceled by the Venezuelan government due to the fact that conductor Gustavo Dudamel spoke out against the leadership officials.


EU Youth Orchestra Makes Brexit

Brexit has forced the European Union Youth Orchestra to relocate from the UK to Italy, creating issues for the British players who will soon be ineligible.








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