Health, Resources

Releasing Tension and Becoming Balanced with the Alexander Technique

May 1, 2022

The Alexander Technique addresses inefficient habits of movement and patterns of accumulated tension that interfere with our innate ability to move easily. In his book, Body Learning, Michael J. Gelb notes that the technique itself is difficult to define because it involves a new experience. He says, “It’s like trying to explain music to someone who has never […]

Scents, Smells, and Ventilation in the Workplace

April 1, 2022

When we think of pollution, we think of outdoor air pollution. But most of our exposure to pollutants occurs indoors. For example, air fresheners may emit or cause the formation of numerous substances associated with harmful effects. Claims like “green” and “all natural” on packaging do not have legal or regulatory status.

Heart Health: Stay in Tune with Your Heart

March 1, 2022

Heart disease is a broad term that covers a number of heart conditions. Among the most common are congenital heart disease (heart defects), coronary artery disease (CAD), arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat), and heart valve disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US—an alarming one in every four deaths to be exact. That’s about 610,000 people each year.

The Five Biggest Tax Mistakes Musicians and Bands Make

February 28, 2022

by Alan Friedman, CPA, Partner, Friedman, Kannenberg & Company, P.C. As with most professions, there are two sides to the business of making music: the artist side and the business side. While most gigging musicians and bands possess the creative knowledge to make a living in the art of making music, some may lack the […]

New Initiatives Toward a Brighter 2022 for Freelance Musicians

January 1, 2022

by Wages Argott, AFM Director of Freelance Services and Membership Development Let’s talk about 2021, our first full calendar year under the shadow of COVID-19. I, like everyone else, finished 2020 grateful that my family and I were alive and healthy and we all still had roofs over our heads. I gave little thought to […]

How to Break into the Music Scene:

January 1, 2022

Tips from the Pros on Subbing As musicians return to work and venues large and small begin to reopen across the US and Canada, many of us are returning to live performances and gigs in coffee houses, clubs, stages, and concert halls. Nothing beats the feeling of returning to making music with our familiar bandmates. […]

Cutting Back on the Holiday Cheer

January 1, 2022

Coming off the holidays, moderating the liquid cheer can be challenging for a lot of people. Many fall short of their objectives, mostly because they are not realistic. If you simplify your approach, goals will be more attainable and will make for better outcomes. In the case of alcohol consumption, the maxim “everything in moderation” becomes especially relevant.

Battling the Holiday Blues

December 1, 2021

The holiday season should be a joyful time, but instead, many find themselves struggling. This is especially true in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which so many musicians have faced the loss of loved ones, a lack of work, and long periods of isolation. Here are a few ways to weather the holiday […]

Border Crossing in the COVID Era

November 1, 2021

Finally, as of November 8, the US-Canada land borders are officially reopened for all types of travelers. The US border (by air, land, and sea) was open throughout COVID for essential workers (US visa holders). The issue for visa holders wasn’t so much getting across the border, but it was closed venues, no one engaging […]

When It Comes to Air Travel, Preparation Is Key to Keeping Your Instrument Safe

November 1, 2021

Commercial air travel with a musical instrument can be a challenging and nerve-wracking experience. Handing over luggage is one thing, but a valuable instrument is quite another. With advance preparation, that is, reviewing airline regulations and following these guidelines, the process can go much more smoothly—and reduce your stress in this new age of air […]