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.
September 30, 2020
Sean J. Kennedy On Independence Day 2020, a group of world-class percussion and brass musicians released a new arrangement of a Revolutionary War-era fife and drum tune, “The Downfall of Paris,” as a YouTube video. The idea sprang from the solitude of quarantine, during which Sean J. Kennedy, of Local 341 (Norristown, PA), the Philadelphia-based […]
September 30, 2020
Danny Strimer Local 257 (Nashville, TN) composer-guitarist-vocalist Danny Strimer’s New Love Songs is a 10-song travelogue of the heart. Strimer co-wrote the album and co-produced the recording sessions in Nashville. Also performing on the album is Local 257 bassist Brian Zonn. “After doing a good amount of writing and performing pop and country songs, I […]
August Pappas’ crafty arrangement of Schubert’s Impromptu No. 3 captures the Romantic Style aspects of Schubert’s music and makes them available for keyboard percussionists. Originally composed in the unusual key of G-flat major, Pappas has transposed it to C major to better function on a standard-ranged vibraphone. Franz Schubert Impromptu No. 3 (for Solo Vibraphone), […]
A beautiful cantabile song without words, A Song from the Heart has all of Ewazen’s expressive elegance and is a perfect recital piece both for students and professionals. Originally composed for trumpet and piano, this lyrical work has been transcribed for trombone by the composer. A Song From the Heart (for Trombone and Piano), by […]
Published in early 1806, Kreutzer’s 40 Études ou Caprices for violin—there are 42 today—are the product of his years-long employment at the Conservatoire de Paris and are the most comprehensive collection of studies from his quill. Their systematic and complete reappraisal of essential violin technique make them an indispensable tool of the trade for every […]
August 31, 2020
Anna Maria Mendieta Harpist Anna Maria Mendieta’s newest album, Tango Del Cielo, is a collection of Argentine tango and Spanish classical music. The album includes arrangements for harp and orchestra featuring works by Astor Piazzolla, Pablo Ziegler, and more. These orchestrations have been created by award-winning composers, including Jorge Calandrelli; pianist for Piazzolla, Pablo Ziegler; […]
August 31, 2020
Mark Reed If you’ve ever been touched by the Muse you won’t be surprised to learn that the seed for Mark Reed’s lifetime work, Message to Home, was planted in a dream sequence: “It only lasted about 15 seconds, but it inspired me to consider how an objective observation of life on Earth might look,” […]
August 31, 2020
The Steve Spiegl Big Band The latest album by The Steve Spiegl Big Band celebrates the band’s 50th year in existence as a staple of the LA rehearsal band scene. It was recorded by the some of the top LA studio musicians and jazz soloists. Recorded over three days at Capitol Studios, The LA Sessions […]
August 27, 2020
In this publication, author and pianist Martin Doepke presents 13 compositions that transport us into a fantasy world. Each piece tells its own story, one romantically playful, the other mystically melancholic or with a pulsing rhythm. All players can expect a variety of musical genres (film music, musicals, etc.). Piano Tales, by Martin Doepke, Universal […]
August 27, 2020
This volume contains excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s three ballets: “Swan Lake,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “The Nutcracker.” Each excerpt is annotated and discussed as to how it should be played musically, and suggestions that may help players facilitate the technical aspects of the music and be aware of any performance concerns. Authors Plotkin, of Local 6 (San […]