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.
Two new guitars revive Washburn’s IDOL style body pioneered in 1999; The IDOL WIT16 VSK-D in sunburst and the IDOL WIS26 MRK-D in metallic red.
This digital-only release from San Francisco Symphony, members of Local 6 (San Francisco, CA), and Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT), a member of Locals 47 (Los Angeles, CA) and 9-535 (Boston, MA), was recorded during live performances at Davies Symphony Hall in March 2017.
Zeppelin Design Labs’ Quaverato Harmonic Tremolo guitar pedal is a great sounding, versatile, and practical tremolo pedal at an attractive price.
Life After Dark is Local 257 (Nashville, TN) member Guthrie Trapp’s second album. The album was recorded at Nashville’s Sound Emporium, and pays tribute to Trapp’s musical influences throughout his career, from childhood to the present day.
GHS Strings Fingerboard Care Kit makes it easy to maintain your instrument’s frets and fingerboard. Guitar maintenance is just as critical to an instrument’s sound and playability as a new set of strings.
For many years, Kim Breedlove left his workshop in the late afternoon, only to go home to his garage workshop and build ukuleles. Now retired, Breedlove has launched the Lu’au Concert ukuleles based on his custom shape and bracing.
Jason Mraz of Local 325 (San Diego, CA) has just released his first full-length studio recording, Know, since his 2014 release of Yes!.
Sabian Center Hammered Triangles are designed to boost projection and shimmer. Made from heavy gauge phosphor bronze, they allow for more clarity in any performance venue.
The Boss VE-500 Vocal Performer vocal harmony/multi-effects pedal provides automatic harmony/pitch correction, plus effects that range from subtle sweetening to over-the-top, even robot voice sounds.
One of the most personal albums of Local 257 (Nashville, TN) member Loretta Lynn’s career, Wouldn’t It Be Great communicates the universality of the human experience—love and heartbreak, as well as the transformative and connecting power of music.