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.
August 1, 2018
IM -The Grand Rapids Symphony has been awarded a grant of $1.1 million from the Wege Foundation to engage new and diverse audiences with live orchestra music. The grant, spread over four years, will add community engagement staff positions and create a two-year music fellowship for a musician fellow to perform with the Grand Rapids Symphony and be mentored by symphony musicians, members of Local 56 (Grand Rapids, MI).
The grant money was first put to use with the symphony’s free community outdoor concerts at a local park in July. Funds will also help to grow the symphony’s Mosaic Scholarship program—a mentoring program for black and Latino music students, created with funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. A new program, Mosaic Music Majors, will assist college music students of color in developing skills to launch their careers. Teenage students will be provided with musical instruments, private lessons, and the opportunity to perform at and attend concerts.