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

Cool Tools

Kit in a Box


Need to fit drums into a tight space? The Meinl Traditional Cajon might fit the bill. It has a sizzling rattle effect produced by strings that touch the Makah-Burl front plate on the inside, spanning from top to bottom. An integrated adjustable string mute system allows you to control the string tension and adjust its […]




Rugged Receiver


Shure’s GLXD6 wireless guitar pedal receiver has a built-in tuner with both strobe and needle tuning views. A foot switch enables shifting between wireless display and tuner mode with the option to mute or pass the audio signal while tuning. The pedal’s integrated LINKFREQ Automatic Frequency Management technology seamlessly analyzes the RF spectrum to determine […]




Hybrid Beats


  With Roland’s TM-2 Trigger Module you can easily enhance your acoustic drum set with the creative versatility of electronic percussion. Its two trigger inputs support a wide variety of Roland pads and drum triggers, plus ready-to-play pro sounds augment and extend the capabilities of your kit. Make use of studio quality multi-effects or trigger […]




Grado GS-1000


They may be among the finest sounding headphones on the planet. They’re handcrafted in Brooklyn, New York, by audio industry stalwart Grado Labs. The polished mahogany headset uses an open-back design with wooden chambers that create a personal listening room around your ears. Frequency range of 8 Hz to 35 kHz (beyond human hearing), unique […]




Acoustic Rock Riffs: Over 40 Essential Classics

Acoustic Rock Riffs provides a one-stop library for more than 50 of the most popular riffs and intros every acoustic guitar player should know.


The Complete Classical Music Guide

This book covers 1,000 years of classical music in a fun and easy-to-read format. It’s packed with color photographs, composer biographies, and information on major works and innovations, arranged in chronological order from Early Music (1000-1600) through Modern Music (1900-present). The first three chapters introduce the basic elements of classical music, classical instruments, and a […]


SmartLav Lavalier


RODE Microphones’ smartLav lavalier mic provides convenient, crisp, high-quality audio, directly into a smartphone or tablet. It is equipped with an omnidirectional condenser microphone to pick up sound from all directions and its foam pop filter eliminates vocal plosives. Although designed for the RODE Rec app for Apple iOS devices, any app that accepts input […]




Fender Vaporizer Tube Amp


The Fender Vaporizer tube amp looks like it was teleported here from the ’50s. Featuring two 10-inch, 16-ohm, special design Vaporizer speakers, two inputs, and a quarter-inch speaker output, it stands a tidy 17 inches tall. It has stripped down controls, a built-in reverb, and a retro-styled, single-channel, 12-watt amplifier. The “Space Race” looking chassis […]




Daily Drumset Workout

According to drum educator Dom Famularo, Daily Drumset Workout is “your personal drumming coach to take you step-by-step and feel your ideas come alive.” Dedicated drummer, teacher, and author Claus Hessler has researched and discovered the best ways to learn. He’ll teach you new rhythmic skills that facilitate greater security and musical freedom no matter […]


Essential Drum Lessons with the Greats

This book contains in-depth lessons and two CDs of performances by drumming greats such as Local 47 members Gregg Bissonette, Peter Erskine, and Dave Weckl, and Local 298 (Niagara Region, ON) member Neil Peart. In 26 lessons, eight legendary drummers reveal their secrets to solos, fills, double-bass grooves, polyrhythms, sticking and ostinato patterns, as well […]








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