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

Books-Resources, Products

Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa FAQ: All That’s Left to Know About the Father of Invention


Frank Zappa FAQ examines the long and illustrious career of Frank Zappa, following his style shifts over the years, his prolific catalog, from Mothers of Invention’s Freak Out! to Beat the Boots, as well as his film and video productions.




Changing the Tune

Changing the Tune: The Kansas City Women’s Jazz Festival, 1978-1985


In 1978, jazz in our country largely remained a boys’ club. Two Kansas City women, Carol Comer and Dianne Gregg, challenged that inequitable standard.




Artistic Citizenship

Artistic Citizenship: Artistry, Social Responsibility, and Ethical Praxis


Artistic Citizenship brings together the perspectives of artists, scholars, educators, policy-makers, and activists to investigate the system of values surrounding artistic-educational endeavors.




Superheroes of Music

Zap! Boom! Pow! Superheroes of Music


In this book, written for children ages five to 10, author Lucy A. Warner presents 12 classical composers as superheroes.




Timeless

Timeless: The Music of John Abercrombie


Brilliant jazz guitar innovator John Abercrombie is known among jazz musicians as a composer of compelling, well-crafted tunes.




Alfred’s Guitar Sessions

Alfred’s Guitar Sessions


The best way to learn to play a song on guitar is to watch someone else play it. Alfred’s Guitar Sessions series books center around detailed instructional video lessons that teach you how to play rock ’n’ roll’s greatest songs through step-by-step teaching.




Classics with a Touch of Jazz

Classics with a Touch of Jazz: 27 Beloved Masterpieces


Classics with a Touch of Jazz reflects Local 802 (New York City) member Lee Evans’ longstanding interest in keeping music students and teachers motivated through including jazz music and concepts within traditional classical piano lessons.




Joe Allard

Joe Allard: Lessons from the Master


Joe Allard is considered one of most influential and brilliant woodwind teachers that ever lived.




Cello, Bow, and You

Cello, Bow, and You: Putting It All Together


In Cello, Bow, and You, cellist, certified Alexander Technique teacher, and Local 802 (New York City) member Evangeline Benedetti has pioneered an approach to playing that is a synthesis of the cellist’s musical thought, knowledge of the dynamic properties of the instrument and bow, and ability to move effectively according to the mechanics of the human body and laws of gravity.




Sitting In Series by Alfred Music


Soloing is an important part of playing, but when you are practicing on your own it is difficult to get the creative juices flowing without a band.










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