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.
April 4, 2016
IM -Jazz pianist Mark Levine of Local 424 (Berkeley, CA) provides an easy-to-learn method for playing the melodies of favorite jazz standards, using hip voicings as played by Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock of Local 802 (New York City), McCoy Tyner, and Kenny Barron of Local 802. Author of The Jazz Piano Book, Levine has created a “Menu,” a succinct guide to learning a multitude of voicings so performers can harmonize melodies on the spot. Using two standards and a bebop melody as examples, he breaks up each tune into four-bar sections and shows the best voicings to use on each chord. Once learned, musicians can spontaneously create a personal style of playing, based on the masters of the art form.
How to Voice Standards at the Piano: The Menu, by Mark Levine, Sher Music Co., shermusic.com.