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 12, 2014
IM -Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra concertmaster, Frank Almond, returned to the stage this past Monday with the 1715 Lipinski Stradivarius in hand. Both Frank and the Stradivarius violin received a standing ovation before the performance even began.
Frank Almond played the recently recovered Lipinski Stradivarius violin for a packed house at the Wilson Center for Arts in Brookfield.
The violin, which is valued at nearly $5 million, was stolen back in January and was finally recovered last week. This was the first performance since the violin had been recovered. Both Frank and the Stradivarius violin received a standing ovation before the performance even began.
You can read the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel’s story about the 300-year-old Stradivarius here.