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.
April 21, 2015
IM -Every musician has certain muscle groups he or she uses repetitively. These muscles develop greater strength than their opposite muscles, and this unequal strengthening can lead to tightness and inflamed tendons. This effect is especially seen in the hands, and all musicians use their hands to play instruments.
The key to preventing tendonitis or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is to “reset” the repetitively used muscles. This is done by identifying the muscle’s antagonist and using “reciprocal inhibition” to strengthen it and at the same time lengthen the overused muscle.
The Reset Glove from the Institute of Health and Human Performance allows musicians to reset their hand muscles before and after they play. Originally developed for professional athletes, the Reset Glove provides variable resistance to opposite muscle groups, bringing back symmetry to the hand.
to order the Reset Glove, visit www.resetglove.com. To learn more about resetting techniques, visit www.ihhp.org or call 847-804-3311.