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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International Musician

Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund Update

The Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) works to serve the film, television, and music communities and meet the needs of film musicians whose talents fuel the industry.


Additional Extension to the Commercial Announcements Agreement

Effective June 1, an agreement for an additional extension to the Commercial Announcements Agreement was reached between the AFM and the ANA-4A’s Joint Policy Committee on Broadcast Talent Union Relations (JPC).


EMSD 101: How to Select the Correct Agreement For Your Project

The following questions will help determine which rates and agreement should be applied to your recording. Always contact the AFM to confirm which contract you should be using.


EMSD Special Issue Highlights

The Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD) is the division of the AFM charged with serving and protecting the interests of nonsymphonic recording musicians. (The AFM Symphonic Services Division represents opera, ballet, and chamber orchestra electronic media projects.)


Your Support Is Needed Now to Protect Our Pension Plan

AFM-Employers Pension Fund (AFM-EPF) trustees urgently ask that each of you contact your member of Congress right away to express your support for a fix to our multiemployer pension plan through the Butch Lewis Act (S. 2147).


What Is a Player Conference?

There are five player conferences within the AFM. Each player conference holds general meetings, executive board meetings, and other meetings. These communications are necessary to provide resources and information to their members.


Zig Kanstul: Last of the Great Masters

Zig Kanstul: Last of the Great Masters


Zig Kanstul: Last of the Great Masters, by R. Dale Olson, is an account of the lineage of the great masters of American brass musical instrument making, culminating in the story of Zig Kanstul.




Radial Engineering Key-Largo Keyboard Mixer


Radial Engineering’s Key-Largo keyboard mixer and performance pedal features quarter-inch analog inputs to connect up to three stereo or mono keyboards, plus a USB interface for use with soft synths or computer-based audio. All inputs feature individual level control. Separate send controls access a shared effects loop activated via a dedicated footswitch. The effects return […]




IK Multimedia T-RackS 5

IK Multimedia T-RackS 5


IK Multimedia’s T-RackS 5 versatile mixing and mastering system offers four all-new processors for a total of 38 high-quality modules, including a redesigned interface in a flexible 16-processor series/parallel chain. Among the improvements, the Master Match module plug-in automatically matches the sonic fingerprint of up to three reference tracks; Dyna-Mu vari-mu compressor/limiter can impart an […]




Cuban Rhythms for Percussion & Drumset: The Essentials

Cuban Rhythms for Percussion & Drumset: The Essentials


Local 406 (Montreal, PQ) percussionist Aldo Mazza wrote this method book from his 16 years of experience facilitating KoSA study programs in Cuba and working with many important Cuban drummers in developing rhythms.










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