Berklee College of Music has announced it will take over Avatar Studios in Manhattan and rename it Power Station at BerkleeNYC, in a nod to the venue’s previous name and history as a former power plant. The school plans to update the 33,000-square-foot space to the tune of $20 million. Power Station will continue to operate to be a commercial recording studio, plus Berklee will add rehearsal space, practice rooms, and classrooms. Berklee students will be able to do internships and get training at the studio. Everyone from David Bowie to Bon Jovi of Local 204-373 (New Brunswick, NJ) to Bruce Springsteen of Locals 399 (Asbury Park, NJ) and 47 (Los Angeles, CA) have recorded at Power Station studios.
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.