The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) of the United States and Canada is the largest organization in the world representing the interests of professional music. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pensions, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing thousands of professional musicians in the foreground of the cultural landscape. How did it start? What challenges did it face to become the force it is today? What have been its accomplishments over its 115 years of existence? Is it still relevant today? How has it adjusted in the 21st century to the Internet age, where so much music is free? Staying Ahead of the Curve takes you inside its rich history of protecting and supporting musicians who earn their living playing music. Author Ray Hair, current president of the AFM and longtime union member and leader, fills the book with stories of the AFM through the years, starting with the beginning years under Owen Miller, through the birth of recorded music under James C. Petrillo, and now under his own leadership. It includes the history of the AFM presidents, highlights current developments of the union, and takes an exciting look into the future of the AFM.