A pilot New York City program, Sound Thinking NYC, addresses gender disparity in the music industry by providing free education and career path programs for young women in 11th and 12th grade. It was launched by the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), City University of New York’s Creative Arts Team, and the nonprofit NY Is Music. The inaugural three-week program took place in July with 40 students, representing all five New York City boroughs. They were introduced to music production, audio technology, and sound recording through hands-on workshops and field trips. They attended leadership sessions and panel discussions with women industry professionals. The program hopes to expand to 100 students by 2020.
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.