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.
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 […]
One of the most recorded drummers in history, Jeff Porcaro was a music superstar. With It’s About Time: Jeff Porcaro, The Man and His Music, author Robyn Flans provides insight into Porcaro’s musical career. Starting with his childhood and formative years, the book recounts his establishment on the L.A. scene, rise to stardom with Toto, […]
A dozen of the most popular songs by legendary contemporary music composer George Winston transcribed from the recordings and authorized by Winston. Includes an introduction from the composer, playing tips, song notes, a discography, a bio, and 12 songs. George Winston – Piano Sheet Music Collection, by George Winston, Hal Leonard, www.halleonard.com.
(for Marimba and Piano) China West Suite is a perfect recital piece that explores a variety of folk songs from the China West region in four movements, each named for a different group of people. Marimba players will appreciate this significant new addition to their instrument’s catalog from one of the world’s leading composers. For […]
This children’s book by Local 802 (New York City) member Augie Haas is about a young boy who discovers the magic of music, and dedicates his time to learning the trumpet. Little Augie learns that playing the trumpet is not as easy as he thought it would be, but he is determined to get better. […]
There’s high interest of professionals and public in the early version of the Violin Concerto by Jean Sibelius. The performance material of this “Original Version” is now printed for the first time. It is based on the volume of the complete edition of Jean Sibelius’ works, edited by Timo Virtanen (Breitkopf & Härtel). The early […]
This critical edition of Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro includes a preface with historical and performance information on the piece, including a comparison of the separate parts of all seven instruments to the full score with a list of corrections for each instrument. It has been published the way that it is actually played, making it […]
Fuzzette is a hairless tarantula who assumes no one likes her for being different—until the handsome and charismatic Pancho falls in love with her for her individualism. Muczynski’s musical setting has all the charm, elegance, and jazz underpinnings of his beloved works for flute and saxophone. Fuzzette, the Tarantula (for Narrator, Flute, E♭ Alto Saxophone, […]
This poem, written in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson, was set to music by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, five years later, and was soon adopted as the Black American National Anthem. Pianist and composer Evelyn Simpson-Curenton has arranged the piece with her own variations as a concert level entry for flute and piano. Lift […]
In this book, David M. Bynog, of Local 65-699 (Houston, TX), offers important historical and analytical information about 35 of the best-known pieces written for viola from the 18th through the 20th centuries, including works by Bach, Telemann, Mozart, and many others. The author includes biographical information about each composer and highlights key points related […]