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.
Brandee Younger Sound Recording Labor Agreement Grammy-nominated harpist Brandee Younger of Local 802 (New York City) has released her third major-label album, Gadabout Season. Known for her unique interpretations of harp legends Alice Coltrane and Dorothy Ashby, Younger steps out boldly with new compositions drawing from jazz, classical, R&B, and hip-hop. This CD showcases Younger’s evolving use […]
The Mike McClelland Quartet Joint Venture Recording Agreement The Mike McClelland Quartet of Local 149 (Toronto, ON) with McClelland on drums is joined by Mike Murley on tenor and soprano saxophones, Reg Schwager on guitar, and Neil Swainson on bass, pays tribute to the late pianist and composer Bob Fenton. “Prelude and Premise” draws the listener into a world […]
Limited Pressing Agreement Clarinetist Marcus Eley of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) is celebrated for championing African American composers and expanding the classical music discography. His latest recording features music by jazz icons Alvin Batiste, David N. Baker, Yusef Lateef, and Oliver Nelson. Here, rhythm diverts from robotic toe tapping to “feeling the groove.” A […]
Joint Venture Recording Agreement With this album—as with all of his projects—master percussionist Dimas Sánchez delivers a contemporary celebration of artistry, heritage, and cultural connections. As a student of Caribbean musical history, he bridges Afro Puerto Rican traditions, Afro Cuban grooves, jazz, blues, Latin, and Brazilian rhythms. Sánchez explains, “Within each piece is a story of […]
Single by Brant Garratt, Leisa Way, Limited Pressing Agreement The song “We Are Canadian! As One We Stand” was written by 89-year-old retired Royal Canadian Mountie Ellis Pringle Craig, with music composed by Carey Blackwell. The song was produced by bandleader Leisa Way of Local 226 (Kitchener, ON), featuring performances by multi-instrumentalist and arranger Bruce […]
AFM Limited Pressing Agreement Percussionist and Americana roots singer/songwriter Vince Santoro of Local 257 (Nashville, TN), steps off the sidelines and into the spotlight with his debut solo album, Exposed. Santoro’s been performing with former member of the band The Rascals Felix Cavaliere, also of Local 257, for 20 years. Here, he takes the lead on […]
AFM Joint Venture Agreement Jazz guitarist and bassist Vince Lewis, vice president of Local 674 (Covington-Lewisburg, VA), started performing professionally at age 14 when he joined Local 136 (Charleston, WV). He’s been an in-demand headliner, session player, jazz educator, and active union member ever since. Lewis has recorded 20 CDs as both leader and sideman. […]
We extend our warmest congratulations to all AFM members who were nominated for this year’s Canadian JUNO Awards and East Coast Music Awards! Your dedication to your craft and the incredible talent you bring to the Canadian music scene are truly inspiring. It’s a testament to the vibrant and diverse musical landscape of our country. […]
Lelo Garcia (Joint Venture Agreement) Brazilian-born guitarist Lelo Garcia has had a rich 24-year career, having played with acclaimed artists internationally and throughout the US. Now a member of Local 389 (Orlando, FL), he is on track to become a voting member of the Latin Recording Academy. On the 10 tracks on his first album, […]
The Belltower (AFM Local Limited Pressing Agreement) On his EP, Watching Time, international touring guitarist-singer Chris Bell of Local 433 (Austin, TX) performs three of his original songs, featuring a few of his favorite players in Austin. “It is definitely an Austin sound, which means the blues and country influences are front and center,” he says. […]