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.
January 1, 2016
How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions — One study of New Year’s resolvers published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology showed that, after six months, only 46% of the subjects had keep their resolutions.
December 1, 2015
Stage Fright — Stage fright, or more accurately, music performance anxiety (MPA), is one of the most commonly cited problems for professional musicians.
November 16, 2015
A study led by Canadian psychologist E. Glenn Schellenberg of University of Toronto-Mississauga confirmed that making music improves behavior in children.
November 5, 2015
The A, B, ZZZZs of Sleep Disorders — How well you sleep can affect your ability to perform, as well as your general physical and mental health.
October 5, 2015
The only way to develop superior hand strength, endurance, and coordination is to challenge and develop each finger. So, work those fingers.
October 5, 2015
The repetitive stress musicians subject their bodies to is comparable to what an athlete endures. A pro athlete would never dream of performing or even practicing without first warming up. In order to perform with the least risk of injury, the muscles, tendons, and joints need blood circulating through them properly so they remain strong […]
September 28, 2015
It’s important to find the right physical therapist for musicians because musicians are dealing with an entirely different world than everyone else.
September 23, 2015
Professional musicians all deal with varying levels of stress. National and international tours, performance anxiety, a hectic schedule, and separation from friends and family for long periods of time are just some of the unique challenges musicians face.
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.