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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New Releases, Products

i'm not like everybody else

Jesse Kinch, I’m Not Like Everybody Else


Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member Jesse Kinch first picked up a guitar at age six and began to learn the classic rock songs of the 1970s and 1980s. He debuted his act at a New York City rock club at age seven.




my way

Willie Nelson, My Way


“My Way” is a Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album Grammy-winning project that comprises standards and classics made famous by Frank Sinatra.




vienna and the west

Gernot Wolfgang, Vienna and the West: Groove-Oriented Chamber Music, Vol. 4


Vienna and the West was recorded May 15-18, 2018 in Los Angeles with some of the finest classical musicians. Among them are Local 47 members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, and first call studio musicians.




travelin' mccorys

The Travelin’ McCourys, The Travelin’ McCourys


This is the Travelin’ McCourys debut album. McCoury brothers, Ronnie (mandolin) and Rob (banjo), are the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury and spent years on the road with their dad.




showboat

Brian Newman, Showboat


“Showboat” clearly displays influences of Miles Davis and Chet Baker, and also pays homage to Newman’s love of rock bands like Nirvana, NOFX and Thin Lizzy.




the green album

Peter Kogan, The Green Album


This third album by percussionist Peter Kogan (Local 30-73, St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN) offers mainstream jazz that is challenging yet accessible, comprising seven of his originals and four classics.




resurrection

Minnesota Orchestra, Resurrection Mahler 2


Mahler’s Second Symphony, Resurrection is the third release in Minnesota Orchestra’s Mahler recording series, which will eventually record all of Mahler’s symphonies. Aside from Music Director Osmo Vänskä and the Minnesota Orchestra, members of Local 30-73 (St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN), the recording features soprano Ruby Hughes, mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, and the Minnesota Chorale.




faith over fear

Haynie, Faith Over Fear


This is Local 8 (Milwaukee, WI) member Haynie’s first release after launching his solo career. Faith Over Fear is inspired by his own struggles to confront his weaknesses and overcome them with “faith, vision, and courage.” Haynie has faced many challenges growing up in poverty.




I Serve A Savior

Josh Turner, I Serve a Savior


Known for his rich deep voice and distinctive style, Grammy-nominated country musician Josh Turner has sold more than 2.5 million units. I Serve a Savior marks his first gospel album and first appearance in Billboard’s Christian charts, debuting at number two both on that chart and the Top Country Albums Chart and number one on Nielsen’s Country Albums Chart.




the final cluck

Tom Brunner, The Final Cluck (20 Years of Elvis Chicken)


Local 41 (Johnstown, PA) member Tom Brunner isn’t kidding when he says “Weird Band Alert!” He wears a chicken head onstage while performing television show theme songs such as “Hawaii 5-0” on a Suzuki Q-Chord synth-guitar, and squawks occasionally. The Final Cluck contains 27 tunes, from “Turkey Bells” to “Coconut Island of Love.”










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