National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) Membership Structure
Founded in 1898, the National Federation of Music Clubs' (NFMC) objective is to bring into working relations with one another, music clubs and other music organizations and individuals directly or indirectly associated with music activity for the purpose of developing and maintaining high musical standards, aiding and encouraging music education, and the promotion of American music and musicians throughout America and other countries.
Types of Membership:
Federation:
OFMC=Oregon Federation of Music Clubs
NFMC=National Federation of Music Clubs
If you are a teacher over 19 years old and wish to join Federation: You must join a local area Senior Club. By doing so, you become of member of OFMC and NFMC. Both you and your students are then eligible to participate in any Federated event. If you have students, you are required to pay both Senior and Junior Club dues. To determine which club in Oregon you should join, please contact OFMC President, Aaron Bloom via email at abpianolessons@gmail.com.
If you would like to join Federation, but do not teach and do not intend to enter students in any Federated Events: You must join a local area Senior Club, and pay only the Senior Club portion of the dues. You are not required to pay Junior Club dues if you do not teach any students.
If you are under 19 and you wish to join Federation, and you currently study with an Federated teacher: You are already a member and do not need to do anything. Your teacher’s OFMC membership covers all the students in his or her studio that are under 19.
If you are a College Student, at least 19 years old, and wish to join Federation so that you may be eligible for any Federated State (OFMC) or National (NFMC) scholarships:
- Determine whether your college or university is already a member for the current school year. If so, then you do not have to do anything further.
- If your college or university is not already a member of Federation, then you may join as an Individual Member. Use form ME 1-1, and mail it to the OFMC State Treasurer: http://nfmc-music.org/Documents/Membership%20Division/ME-1-1.pdf Check the Student/Collegiate box on the form.
If you are under 19 years old, currently study with an OFMC teacher, teach students yourself, AND you wish to enter your own students in Festival: You must join Federation as an Individual Member: Use this form ME 1-1 (http://nfmc--usic.org/Documents/Membership%20Division/ME-1-1.pdf) and mail it to the OFMC Treasurer. Check the “Junior” box on this form.
If you are under 19 and wish to join Federation because your teacher is not a member: You may join as an Individual Member using form ME-1-1, but you are not allowed to participate in Festivals. To participate in Festivals, you are required be studying with a teacher who is already a member.
State Clubs- Every state within the United States has its own Federated state level club. In Oregon, the Oregon Federation of Music Clubs (OFMC) was founded in 1921. Its sole function is to comply with the NFMC objective, comply with federal, state, and local authorities, and provide opportunities for advancement of music throughout the state by providing access to Federated programs to the community-at-large.
Senior Clubs- This is the membership group individual adults join. This is solely a group of persons who come together to share in the advancement of music. Members do not have to be teachers, but can be anyone who wants to participate in advancing the cause and enjoyment of music in general. A Senior Club may have members who enjoy music of one specific type, one specific instrument, or a blend of either type or instruments. In OFMC there are several Senior across the State.
Junior Clubs- This membership group is for teachers who want to enter their music students in programs such as Federation-sponsored recitals, scholarship competitions, award opportunities and Festival programs in order to enhance and bring out the best in their students, furthering the opportunities for their students to excel and continue their musical studies.
The chart below illustrated how Junior Clubs are registered through Senior Clubs, Senior Clubs are registered through the state-level club, etc. Each become part of the Oregon Federation of Music Clubs (OFMC). Ultimately, all clubs are a part of the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC). NOTE: It is possible to become a member of more than one Senior Club. If you want to do so, you simply pay the Senior Club dues and administrative fees that are apportioned for each Senior Club you wish to join.
