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 15, 2015
Eating well on the road is important for anyone traveling, but especially musicians who are under tremendous mental and physical stress…
September 14, 2015
Getting aches and pains isn’t necessary if you’re a musician. They can be avoided. Here are stretches that every musician should do before playing.
August 11, 2015
Music & Memory has expanded their work through nursing homes all over the country. Entire state health agencies have endorsed this therapy for use throughout all their eldercare facilities
July 31, 2015
“Feeling nervous before a performance is normal,” says Dr. Richard Cox, a musician, music educator, and psychologist at the Colorado School of Professional Psychology. A certain amount of “concern” is probably good, normal, and useful, Cox continues, but anxiety is a physiological hindrance to good performance. When the nervous system registers “anxiety,” it has already […]
June 23, 2015
Whether you’re a wind instrumentalist or singer, you have probably heard the phrase “use your diaphragm” many times throughout the course of your career from teachers and fellow musicians. This instruction concerns the constant flow of air supported by the group of muscles that musicians and singers employ for optimal sound in their performances.
May 28, 2015
After a long winter of indoor gigs and stuffy practice rooms, you’d jump on any chance to finally play outdoors. But, before you head outside to enjoy these fun opportunities, take a little time to consider how to stay healthy in the heat and sun. Here are nine things to consider:
May 1, 2015
Your passion for playing your instrument or singing means that you practice every day, year after year. Then, suddenly, nothing feels right. Changes in sensation or “feel,” over-development of the muscles of the mouth.
April 28, 2015
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article is a result of research conducted across a number of health-related Web sites. The AFM does not endorse any specific remedy for eye problems and urges members to consult a medical practitioner before deciding on a course of action. Eye problems are an often-overlooked health issue for professional musicians. The […]
April 21, 2015
Every musician has certain muscle groups he or she uses repetitively. These muscles develop greater strength than their opposite muscles, and this unequal strengthening can lead to tightness and inflamed tendons. This effect is especially seen in the hands, and all musicians use their hands to play instruments. The key to preventing tendonitis or Carpal […]
March 25, 2015
Unfortunately, our health care system is not set up for easy comparison shopping. Here are some tips for saving money on health care in 2015.