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.
February 26, 2015
IM -Numerous AFM members were among those honored with nominations and awards at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. Following is a list of Grammy winners who are AFM members and whose work is recorded on labels signatory to AFM agreements. The AFM celebrates all artists whose works are supported by AFM musicians, under AFM agreements.
Best Orchestral Performance: John Adams: City Noir,
St. Louis Symphony, all members of Local 2-197 (St. Louis, MO).
Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance: “In 27 Pieces,”
Hilary Hahn of Local 40-543 (Baltimore, MD) and Cory Smythe.
Best Classical Compendium: Partch: Plectra & Percussion Dances, Partch: Alison Bjorkedal and Nick Terry of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA).
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: Bass & Mandolin,
Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer, both of Local 257 (Nashville, TN).
Best Bluegrass Album: The Earls of Leicester, The Earls of Leicester:
Shawn Camp, Charlie Cushman, Jerry Douglas, Tim O’Brien,
Johnny Warren, and Barry Bales, all members of Local 257.
Best Improvised Jazz Solo: “Fingerprints,” track from Trilogy,
Chick Corea Trio: Chick Corea, Christian McBride, and Brian Blade,
all members of Local 802 (New York City).
Best Instrumental Album: Trilogy, Chick Corea Trio: Chick Corea,
Christian McBride, and Brian Blade, all members of Local 802.
Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album: Life in the Bubble,
Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, all members of Local 47.
Best American Roots Performance: “A Feather’s Not a Bird,”
track from The River & The Thread, Rosanne Cash of Local 802.
Best Roots Song: “A Feather’s Not a Bird,” track from
The River & The Thread, Rosanne Cash of Local 802.
Best Americana Album: The River & The Thread, Rosanne Cash of Local 802.
Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals: New York Tendaberry,
featuring Renée Fleming and Yo-Yo Ma of Local 802.
Best Instrumental Composition: “The Book Thief,” track from The Book Thief soundtrack, composed by John Williams of Locals 47 and 9-535 (Boston, MA).
Best Comedy Album: Mandatory Fun, Weird Al Yankovic of Local 47.