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.

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Home » Officer Columns » Executive Board Members » Goals and Intentions


Goals and Intentions

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Success consists of having a good relationship with all the people that have traveled through life with us, especially those who have touched our inner soul and spirit. Thus, we must give the best of ourselves touching their souls and spirits. One of the main goals in our lives should be that we must live the best way we can, to love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are as the greatest musicians in the world. Most of the successful professional union musicians I have had the pleasure to share my musical journey with these many years were motivated with a goal to achieve. Remember, every person can always step into a life of greatness. Just be prepared to face challenges head-on; they will always lead you to a better place!

It is of the upmost importance that we leave a legacy of everything that we have experienced in life, and leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on this journey and maze of life. Do all you can to reap life and give lots of love. All of our experiences contribute to our understanding and growth. We, as musicians, should be thankful for the various people who have touched our lives and helped hone our talents and skills, such as our parents, teachers, friends, and a host of others who also were part of our lives and helped form us as human beings and musicians. God bless them all.

Intentions are concepts that allow us to wander through life and fulfill our dreams and aspirations. Do your best to have an intent, purpose, and goal, with a serious aim towards an objective. Whatever you would like to accomplish in your life, please do it quickly. Don’t put things off too long! Life goes by quickly. Do what you can today, as you can never be sure of what tomorrow may bring. Each day of your life will unfold into a greater awareness of who and what you are—a unique individual with a limitless future. Not all the opportunities you are hoping for will come to you through logical means. Instead, they come to you through unexpected sources. Synchronistic events in the grocery store, crossing the street, or on your next gig, could lead to the break you’re waiting and hoping for.

Whether or not we follow through on our ideas, goals, and intentions is what really makes the difference. If we don’t follow through on our ideas, they become only wishes, and wishes by themselves don’t do anything. A fellow Philadelphian, Benjamin Franklin, once said, “Well done is better then well said.” I hear he played 4th tenor in one of the early territorial bands out of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. These are the jokes, folks! We all know a lot of cats that talk a good story, but when it comes time to fulfill a task, they are nowhere to be found. Musicians will always be successful when they allow their experiences to lead the way in the world of doing. Use your imagination to envision the best outcome!

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”—Mahatma Gandhi

If there’s a fair amount of work that needs to be done today, put some music on—music that has touched you from the very beginning of your journey through life as a musician. Put on your favorite CD, or tune into a lively radio station. Not only will this make the tasks more enjoyable, but also your energy will get a lift. Work done with the underscore of music can make things go quickly and even fun. Dance or sing every now and then. It’ll get your blood pumping and can add some zip even to mundane tasks.

Music will always move our lives. Music is, without a doubt, the most abstract and sublime of all the arts. We as musicians truly know that music is capable of transmitting an unbelievable amount of expressive, historical, and even philosophical information to the entire globe. Let’s never shortchange ourselves when it comes to the remarkable gifts we are blessed with. The ability to share it with the entire world should be one of our goals!

You must decide that any predominant thought that’s not positive has no room in your mind, or in your life. Strive for top-level wellness and fitness so you can feel good, be healthy in your thoughts and in your body, and do all you can to set a great example for those you love and who have touched your life. I truly believe that wellness is from the neck up and fitness is from the neck down. So the question is, is it best to be well or fit? Musicians need a little of both to deal with the world and the lifestyle needed to stay active as a musician in the changing times we are living in.

I believe you have everything it takes to be successful in your personal and musical life. Plan for your success daily. Don’t wish for your goals and intentions to just fall in your lap. You must work for these things to blossom and bear fruit. You are stronger than you think, braver than you can imagine, and you can do anything you put your mind to! You deserve to live a victorious life—one where all your dreams and aspirations come to fruition and your goals and intentions are met because you prepared for them. Preparation meeting opportunity is the key to success!

Keep the faith brothers and sisters.







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