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.
In this book and accompanying audio, drummer Steve Lyman gives an in-depth look at the construction and application of modern time signatures. Breaking down metric units from 5/8 through 17/16, the material provides clear methods of understanding these meters in ways that are fun, creative, and insightful. A New Approach to Odd-Times for Drum Set, […]
This book is a 376-page trip into the expansive, eclectic, and mesmerizing world of effects pedals. Whether you are a guitarist or another kind of sonic alchemist, this book is sure to delight with its vibrant photos, descriptions, and illustrations. Covering over 800 pedals from dozens of manufacturers and with over 50 exclusive interviews, Pedal […]
George Marinelli Self Made Fool is the latest solo album by George Marinelli, a longtime session player, writer, and producer, and AFM member for 48 years. In addition to his numerous solo projects, Marinelli, of Local 257 (Nashville, TN), was an original member of Bruce Hornsby (Local 125, Norfolk, VA) & The Range, and has […]
Take a Seat Gator Frameworks’ new deluxe guitar player’s seat comes equipped with a three-point height adjustment system designed to give maximum control over your sitting position. Offers quick and easy height adjustments of the seat, backrest, and footrest. Includes foam padded seat cushion, grip tape on the foot rest, and rubber feet on the base […]
Chris Stapleton Chris Stapleton, of Local 257 (Nashville, TN), has released his fourth solo album with Starting Over, an album featuring 14 tracks that examine life’s simplest joys and most serious struggles. Finished in late February 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world, Starting Over offers southern rock, southern soul, and country ballads […]
These five poems by anonymous authors were set for voice and piano by Ohana in 1987 in a collection of originally eight songs. Jean Horreaux has transcribed five of the songs for guitar accompaniment, and includes versions of each in both high and low voices. Cinq Chansons Populaires Espagnoles (Pour Voix et Guitare),by Maurice Ohana, […]
Musicians of every level—professional or amateur, teacher or serious student—can benefit from developing mental practice and imagery skills. Mental Practice and Imagery for Musicians, by Malva Freymuth Tarasewicz of Local 20-263 (Denver, CO), now back in print after 15 years, presents a step-by-step training program with examples showing how mental work combines with physical practice […]
One of the most recorded drummers in history, Jeff Porcaro was a music superstar. With It’s About Time: Jeff Porcaro, The Man and His Music, author Robyn Flans provides insight into Porcaro’s musical career. Starting with his childhood and formative years, the book recounts his establishment on the L.A. scene, rise to stardom with Toto, […]
A dozen of the most popular songs by legendary contemporary music composer George Winston transcribed from the recordings and authorized by Winston. Includes an introduction from the composer, playing tips, song notes, a discography, a bio, and 12 songs. George Winston – Piano Sheet Music Collection, by George Winston, Hal Leonard, www.halleonard.com.
(for Marimba and Piano) China West Suite is a perfect recital piece that explores a variety of folk songs from the China West region in four movements, each named for a different group of people. Marimba players will appreciate this significant new addition to their instrument’s catalog from one of the world’s leading composers. For […]