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.
Simply Driven by Melanie Spanswick is a collection of five pieces for advanced to virtuoso level pianists. Each piece has a completely different character, while still reflecting minimalist influences. The pieces included are “Frenzy,” “Aisa: Sand, Silk & Love,” “Engima,” “Chasm,” and “Time,” and are designed to challenge even the most accomplished of performers.
Simply Driven (5 Virtuoso Pieces), by Melanie Spanswick,
Schott Music, https://en.schott-music.com.
In this publication, author and pianist Martin Doepke presents 13 compositions that transport us into a fantasy world. Each piece tells its own story, one romantically playful, the other mystically melancholic or with a pulsing rhythm. All players can expect a variety of musical genres (film music, musicals, etc.).
Piano Tales, by Martin Doepke, Universal Edition, www.universaledition.com.
Bernstein’s clarinet sonata has been transcribed for alto saxophone, with some optional alternative notes for players who might require them. Includes access to online piano accompaniments.
Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano (Transcribed from the Sonata for Clarinet), by Leonard Bernstein, Boosey & Hawkes, www.boosey.com.
Casio’s new CDP-S350 digital piano offers a realistic piano sound and feel in a modern and ultra-portable design that can be powered by six AA batteries. The CDP-S350 features 700 sounds, 200 accompaniment rhythms, a pitch bend wheel, a six-track MIDI recorder with USB storage, and convenient Registration buttons for quickly saving and recalling sounds and settings. The slim chassis features a scaled, weighted hammer action keyboard with 88 full-size keys with simulated ebony and ivory textures. The included sustain pedal can be replaced by the SP-34 portable three-pedal unit for added piano authenticity.
This book consists of beautiful art songs (lieder) by famous classical composers, music set to poetry for piano and voice, but here presented in piano solo arrangements by Lee Evans of Local 802 (New York City) to be played purely instrumentally. Available in print and on iPad-specific SuperScore Music app.
by Lee Evans, Piano Plus, Inc., www.leeevansjazz.com.
This correspondence between composer Frank Martin and pianist Paul Badura-Skoda covers the period from 1965 to 1974. Badura-Skoda commissioned two works for piano from Martin during this time, and a deep friendship grew between the two men over the course of these years. The letters offer readers the musical interest in the men’s collaborations, as well as an endearing testimony to a special artistic friendship. This edition offers the letters in English, French, and German.
Frank Martin & Paul Badura-Skoda: Letters, edited by
Magda de Meester, Universal Edition, www.universaledition.com.
Kurzweil SP1’s intuitive controls and affordable price make it the perfect keyboard for musicians and students. It features a fully weighted, 88-note keybed; 16 instrument sounds; 256-note polyphony; plus versatile FX and MIDI capabilities. While it feels like a high-quality acoustic for stage, its out jacks and ability to function as a MIDI controller make it attractive for recording and multi-keyboard set-ups. SP-1 offers many sound customization options via FX and EQ, as well split, layer, and dual functions. Five favorites buttons let users customize their sounds.
Originally written for saxophonist Nathan Nabb of Locals 29-717 (Granite City, IL) and 2-197 (St. Louis, MO), this engaging set of six short pieces runs the gamut from virtuosic to melancholy to humorous. This audience-pleaser utilizes alto and soprano saxophone, and a few extended techniques. Included are: “High in the Andes” (soprano), “Song of Light” (alto), “Magic Island” (alto), “Titania’s Bower” (soprano), “Bonnie-Bye” (soprano), and “The Three Jolly Pigeons” (alto).
Imaginary Folksongs for Soprano/Alto Saxophone and Piano, www.presser.com.
Originally composed for trumpet and piano, “A Song from the Heart” immediately captures performers and listeners. A beautiful melodic solo sings over a lush piano accompaniment with passages that linger in the mind well after the performance. Composer Eric Ewazen has transcribed into editions for Eb alto saxophone and piano, Bb clarinet and piano, horn and piano, as well as oboe and piano.
Eric Ewazen: A Song from the Heart for Trumpet and Piano, for Eb Alto Saxophone and Piano, for Bb Clarinet and Piano, for Horn and Piano, and for Oboe and Piano, composed by Eric Ewazen, Theodore Presser Company, www.presser.com.
This collection of more than 250 best-loved piano masterpieces from the Baroque period through the 20th century, includes works by beloved composers, from Bach and Dussek to Krebs and Tchaikovsky, and many more. Compiled by Carl Fischer Vice President Larry Clark, it provides countless hours of repertoire for teachers and their students.
The Ultimate Songbook of Piano Classics: Over 250 Original Masterpieces by Some of the Most Popular Classical Composers of All Time, compiled by Larry Clark, Carl Fischer, www.carlfischer.com
