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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Books-Resources, Products

Rough Ideas: Reflections on Music and More


In this collection of essays on music and life, famed classical pianist and composer Stephen Hough writes informally and engagingly about music and the life of a musician, from the broader aspects of what it is to walk out onto a stage or to make a recording, to specialist tips from deep inside the practice […]




12 Great Flute Encores


Flutist Bill Giannone, of Local 802 (New York City), has selected 12 well-known classical melodies and arranged them for solo flute with piano accompaniment in his new collection, 12 Great Flute Encores. Selections include Bach’s famous “Air on the G String” and the “Badinerie” from the Orchestral Suite No. 2, Debussy’s “Reverie” and the “Girl […]




Forbidden Valley (for Flute Quintet)


Forbidden Valley was inspired by a dream about traveling down into a deep, dry valley, with living secrets, hidden waters and shy vegetation. The piece can be performed by a flute quintet of three flutes, alto flute, and bass flute, or by a low flute-quintet of bass flute, bass flute in F, contrabass flute, contrabass […]




La Guitarra: A Comprehensive Study


This revised and expanded edition of Pepe Romero’s Guitar Style and Technique (1982), which had been out of print for some time, features new sections on tremolo, flamenco, concert performance, additional finger gymnastics, and a Romero photo album. It contains all of the music from the earlier version and several new pieces, all newly engraved. […]




Have Mercey: My First 60 Years Making Music


Larry Mercey, of Local 279 (London, ON), has had an outstanding career in music, first as leader of the successful Canadian country music group The Mercey Brothers and then as a solo artist. With massive amounts of hit songs, top albums, music awards, and various other successes under his belt, after 60 years in the […]




Through the Door: A Horn-Player’s Journey


Dave Krehbiel’s fast-moving memoir, Through the Door: A Horn-Player’s Journey, relates the adventures of a young musician who uses his musical talents to cover up his scholastic shortcomings. In so doing, he finds himself, miraculously, in the career of his dreams—playing principal horn for Chicago, Detroit, and San Francisco symphony orchestras. With intelligent humor, Krehbiel, […]




A New Approach to Odd-Times for Drum Set


In this book and accompanying audio, drummer Steve Lyman gives an in-depth look at the construction and application of modern time signatures. Breaking down metric units from 5/8 through 17/16, the material provides clear methods of understanding these meters in ways that are fun, creative, and insightful. A New Approach to Odd-Times for Drum Set, […]




Pedal Crush


This book is a 376-page trip into the expansive, eclectic, and mesmerizing world of effects pedals. Whether you are a guitarist or another kind of sonic alchemist, this book is sure to delight with its vibrant photos, descriptions, and illustrations. Covering over 800 pedals from dozens of manufacturers and with over 50 exclusive interviews, Pedal […]




Cinq Chansons Populaires Espagnoles (Pour Voix et Guitare)


These five poems by anonymous authors were set for voice and piano by Ohana in 1987 in a collection of originally eight songs. Jean Horreaux has transcribed five of the songs for guitar accompaniment, and includes versions of each in both high and low voices. Cinq Chansons Populaires Espagnoles (Pour Voix et Guitare),by Maurice Ohana, […]




Mental Practice and Imagery for Musicians


Musicians of every level—professional or amateur, teacher or serious student—can benefit from developing mental practice and imagery skills. Mental Practice and Imagery for Musicians, by Malva Freymuth Tarasewicz of Local 20-263 (Denver, CO), now back in print after 15 years, presents a step-by-step training program with examples showing how mental work combines with physical practice […]










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