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.
Vandoren V21 reeds provide smooth, warm sound, flexibility, and dynamic response for clarinets and saxophones. Suitable for both students and professionals, V21 reeds are available for Eb, Bb, and bass clarinet, as well as soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone, in variety of strengths.
Lewitt LCT 640 TS revolutionizes the recording process by allowing you to change your recording setup after the fact. When the large diaphragm condenser microphone is set to Dual Output Mode, its front and rear diaphragms use two independent circuits. Any desired polar pattern such as omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, supercardioid, figure-eight, or anything in between, can be created before and after recording. You can even rotate the microphone’s directivity by 180° after recording. Plus, Dual Output Mode allows recording in stereo with just one LCT 640 TS.
Local 802 (New York City) saxophonist Su Terry takes us on a fascinating and humor-filled journey into the mind of a jazz musician in this blog-style book. Called a “superwoman of jazz,” she’s performed with a long list of jazz greats, as a soloist with orchestras, as well as on club stages all around the world. She shares hilarious anecdotes of her life as a musician both on and off stage. A talented writer, Terry is a frequent contributor to Local 802’s Allegro. She’s also published four instructional books, one other nonfiction book, and one novel.
Inside the Mind of a Musician, by Su Terry, www.suterry.com.
This rotational percussion method for snare drum, keyboard percussion, timpani, traps, world percussion, and drum set, created by band director and percussion specialist Chris Colaneri is gleaned from interviews, research, and two decades of directing middle school band and percussion. It is designed to help fourth grade through high school students develop the skills for participation in the next level of musical study or extracurricular performing ensembles. Included is a curriculum guide and practice assignment sheets for all grades, practice tips, and exercises for snare, mallet, drum set, and timpani. Recordings, practice tracks, and videos are available on the book’s companion website.
Modern Etudes and Studies for the Total Percussionist, by Chris Colaneri, Oxford University Press, www.oup.com/us.
Featuring keyboardists Steve Porcaro and David Paich, both members of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), Toto ruled the airwaves during the late ’70s and ’80s with hits such as “Hold the Line” and “Africa.” This anthology provides piano accompaniment, vocal parts, lyrics, and guitar chord diagrams for 15 of their greatest songs: “99,” “Africa,” “Don’t Chain My Heart,” “Georgy Porgy,” “Hold the Line,” “Hydra,” “I Won’t Hold You Back,” “I’ll Be Over You,” “Lovers in the Night,” “Make Believe,” “Pamela,” “Rosanna,” “Stop Loving You,” “Stranger in Town,” and “Without Your Love.” Also available is Toto Guitar Tab Anthology with guitar tab transcriptions for 16 songs.
Toto Piano Anthology; Toto Guitar Tab Anthology, Alfred Music, www.alfred.com.
Tone Wizards is a valuable resource for every guitarist, providing inspiration and ideas for discovering and evolving your own tone and style. You’ll learn the tricks from 18 of the world’s top guitarists and guitar gear gurus including Peter Frampton of Local 257 (Nashville, TN), Steve Vai and Jay Graydon of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), and Eric Johnson of Local 433 (Austin, TX). They share their experiences and wisdom in pursuit of the ultimate tone and sound, as well as insights into their success.
Tone Wizards: Interviews with Top Guitarists and Gear Gurus on the Quest for the Ultimate Sound, by Curtis Fornadley, IF6WAS9 Publishing, www.guitartonewizards.com.
This Greatest Hits series of books for piano, vocal, and guitar, each covers a decade of music with more than 40 pop music favorites. Piano accompaniment, vocal melodies, lyrics, and guitar chord diagrams are included. Currently available are The 1960s, The 1990s, and more.
Greatest Hits for Piano: Over 40 Pop Music Favorites, Alfred Music, Alfred.com.
Exploring Classical Mandolin will give you an introduction to mandolin, including techniques from around the world, common practices, and essential repertoire. Not only will you discover gems from classical mandolin literature, and familiar classical melodies, but you will also gain insights to help you arrange your own musical ideas for solo mandolin. The book includes access to online audio and video tracks for download and streaming.
Exploring Classical Mandolin Technique and Repertoire, by August Watters, Berklee Press, www.berkleepress.com
An essential resource for anyone who loves music and group singing, Rise Again is the second songbook from Local 1000 (Nongeographic) members Peter Blood and Anne Patterson. It provides lyrics and chords for 1,200 songs covering blues, country, jazz, Motown, folk, traditional ballads, gospel, and rounds. The tunes are organized by genre or subject matter, and listed in the handy title index, as well as at the end of each thematic chapter.
Rise Again Songbook, by Peter Blood and Annie Patterson, Hal Leonard Corporation, www.halleonard.com or www.riseupandsing.org.
DW Drums Black Sheep Beater was designed by drummer Rich Redmond of Local 257 (Nashville, TN). The adjustable bass drum beater offers drummers easy solutions for changing the sound of their bass drums on the fly. Black Sheep Beater has two distinct sonic variations. At the core is a black-stained maple beater that delivers ample punch and attack. A quick and easy to install elastic black wool covering provides the perfect soft thump for open bass drum tunings.
