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 » Recent News » Joseph Conyers Named Finalist for Lewis Prize for Music


Joseph Conyers Named Finalist for Lewis Prize for Music

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AFM member Joseph Conyers has been named as one of the 10 finalists for the inaugural Lewis Prize for Music. The mission of the Lewis Prize is to partner with leaders who create positive change by investing in young people through music. Each finalist is dedicated to strengthening young people in their communities through rigorous and diverse music programs. Three winners each will receive a $500,000 award.

Conyers, a member of Local 77 (Philadelphia, PA), was nominated for his work with Project 440 in Philadelphia, of which he is the co-founder and executive director. This creative youth development program, established in 2007, has evolved from Conyers’s experience merging his talents as a professional musician in the Philadelphia Orchestra with his passion for community service.

Project 440 uses a shared love of music from any genre and the skills inherent in being a musician as the jumping-off point to strengthen identity, build community, and ultimately help young people develop the competencies needed to thrive. Whether the student plays the bassoon, creates electronic music, or anything in between, Project 440’s entrepreneurship and service curriculum provides young people with opportunities and tools for individual growth and community impact.

The Lewis Prize for Music is dedicated to openness, fairness, and transparency. The prize finalists and awardees are chosen through a rigorous and comprehensive process that incorporates evaluation and input from diverse music leaders, young people involved in creative youth development programs, and a review panel of experts. For more information, visit www.thelewisprize.org.







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