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 1, 2020
An aerosol study commissioned by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), and a coalition of more than 125 performing arts organizations has generated a second set of preliminary results that provides further optimism for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on performing arts activities. Preceded by […]
August 6, 2020
by Adam T. Schwalje MD, DMA and Henry T. Hoffman MD COVID-19 is a severe and dangerous disease. Its heart-wrenching infectivity and virulence hit home for many musicians, as we learned of the several choirs which were affected by superspreading events early in the pandemic. One was in Amsterdam, where 102 of 130 participants wound […]
June 9, 2020
Stress has two elements: an external stimulus, and our response to that stimulus. Here are some tips to help lower that stress during COVID-19.
May 1, 2020
May is Better Hearing Month, so what better time to think about the value of your ears? Check out these results from Todd’s hearing protection field test.
March 31, 2020
Unemployment insurance provides partial wage replacement payments to eligible workers who lose their job or have their hours reduced.
March 31, 2020
The coronavirus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of March 23, has spread to 187 countries and tallied over 294,000 confirmed cases, with more than 13,000 deaths.
March 1, 2020
It’s so important to look after your mental health as a musician; it’s what helps you create, interpret, play, and enjoy music.
February 3, 2020
by Eva Stern, Member of Local 134 (Jamestown, NY), Violist with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and Teacher of Pilates and Movement for Musicians If you’re reading this article, then good news—you’re breathing! However, it’s a common thing for many of us to breathe shallowly, and even periodically hold our breath, as we move through our […]
December 30, 2019
Because of the intensity of repeated rehearsals and performances, orchestral players are among the most susceptible to various types of skin issues.
December 26, 2019
Not until adulthood would I realize that the ever-changing female body could profoundly affect brass playing.