California Federation of Music Clubs
Affiliated with the National Federation of Music Clubs
Celebrate National Music Week: "Music is...Unstoppable" - May 4-11, 2025
Affiliated with the National Federation of Music Clubs
California Federation of Music Clubs (CFMC) is dedicated to promoting music performances, service through music, and music education in our local communities. CFMC became affiliated with the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) in 1923, and currently has over 133 Junior Music Clubs. With support from the National and State levels, local clubs are able to promote and provide musical opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities within their communities.
Membership is all about joining music clubs. When you become a member of the California Federation of Music Clubs (CFMC), you also become a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC), which is the largest non-profit organization in America promoting and supporting American Music, performers, and music education. Discover the many opportunities and activities in which our over 90,000 members organize and participate: Festival programs, competitive events, community outreach or just meeting music lovers in your community. Visit our membership page for more information, and contact Madeline Miller at mhermitte2@gmail.com if you have questions or need help.
California Junior Club News
Students of the Berkeley Academy of Music attended Matchbox Magic Flute at Berkeley Repertory Theater as the holiday Junior Club excursion! Students ages 7-18 enjoyed this delightful update of Mozart’s opera.
Junior Leaders from the Southern California Music Festival Club organized their 3rd Annual Holiday Recital to collect donations for their local CHiP's for Kids Toy Drive.
Helping California Wildfire Victims
Madeline Miller, our CFMC Secretary, has been busy collecting new and slightly used books in coordination with the Westside Music Foundation. These books will be donated to teachers and students who have been displaced by the recent fires. Contact Madeline Miller for more information
Meet Nicole Burns - Balancing passion, leadership, and family is no small feat—but for Nicole, it’s a daily rhythm she embraces with grace and determination. As a dedicated music teacher, she is the driving force behind Ventura County Federation of Music Clubs. She wears many hats, each tied together by her unwavering love for music and commitment to community.
Becoming a Music Teacher
1. How long have you been involved with Federation Festivals, and what instruments do you play and teach?
I have been involved with the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) since 1996, when I entered seven students into Junior Festivals for the first time. I play and teach piano, and over the years, it has been my great joy to share my love of music with students of all levels and backgrounds.
2. Was there a moment or experience that influenced your decision to become a music teacher?
Yes, quite unexpectedly! When I was in high school in 1986, I was babysitting a young girl who had a piano at home. To keep her engaged (and avoid chasing her around!), I taught her a few simple pieces. Later that evening, after hearing her daughter play, her mother called and asked if I would become her daughter’s piano teacher—offering to pay me and even pick me up from school for lessons. Word soon spread, and I began teaching two additional students through a creative barter system of Mary Kay makeup and Amway supplies. From that moment, I fell in love with teaching and have continued ever since, developing a lifelong passion for inspiring others through music.
3. What advice do you have for young musicians considering the teaching profession?
When you love what you do, it never feels like "work." Teaching is about far more than imparting technical skills—it’s about nurturing a lifelong love of music in every student. Remember, not every student will learn the same way you teach; instead, you must learn how they learn and adapt accordingly. One of my favorite quotes perfectly captures this philosophy:
"Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best." — Henry Van Dyke
Stay passionate, stay flexible, and never stop learning yourself.
Ventura County's Growing Music Community
1. What do you feel is the most important benefit your NFMC club provides to your community?
Our club provides an invaluable sense of collaboration and support among independent studios. While each teacher brings a unique professional background, together we create a rich variety of programs that significantly enhance our students' musical journeys. We offer teachers an organization where we grow together—through sharing, listening, and applying collective knowledge.
Our curated programs empower students to excel while fostering joy, creativity, and a culture of excellence. Through national-level adjudicated festivals and fun, collaborative studio events, we create a vibrant community where every student feels encouraged and supported to reach their full potential.
2. Are there any lessons you have learned since becoming President of your club?
Becoming President has taught me the true value of collaboration and adaptability. Every member brings different experiences, teaching styles, and strengths to the table. I’ve learned that leading a club isn’t just about organizing events—it's about listening carefully, fostering community, and inspiring collective growth. Flexibility, clear communication, and a willingness to evolve have been essential to strengthening both our club and our programs. Above all, I've learned that when we support one another, we can achieve far more for our students than we could individually.
3. What advice would you give to new members who are thinking about starting a NFMC club?
My advice would be to start with a clear vision, but keep an open mind. Build your club around a spirit of collaboration, not competition. Surround yourself with individuals who are passionate about music education and are eager to share ideas and work together. Start small if needed—focus on creating a supportive, enthusiastic environment where teachers feel valued and students are excited to participate. Growth will come naturally when your club is built on relationships, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. And don’t be afraid to ask for help—there is a strong network of NFMC leaders and clubs willing to offer guidance.
A Family of Musicians
1. How many of your children play a musical instrument?
I have five wonderful children—one son and four daughters. All of them have learned basic piano skills. My son primarily plays guitar, while my oldest and youngest daughters are vocalists who also play guitar and piano. One of my daughters plays drums, and my middle daughter pursued piano alone.
2. Did you require them to play?
I never required them to play; instead, I gently encouraged them. My goal has always been to cultivate a lifelong love and appreciation for music, not to force it. Each of my children found their own way to connect with music in a way that was meaningful to them.
3. What activities do you enjoy away from music?
Beyond music, I love spending time with family and friends. I take great joy in watching my husband of 33 years and our children grow our family business, Adolicious, LLC. We also enjoy camping, and we have a standing tradition of lively board and card game nights as a family.
*If you are a CFMC member and would like to be featured, please contact Virginia Feitelson
NFMC, founded in 1898, is now the world’s largest philanthropic music organization supporting American music and musicians. It is one of three music organizations to be chartered by the United States Congress and the only music organization member of the United Nations. There are 6,000 NFMC-related organizations and music clubs nationally. Members are professional and amateur musicians, vocalists, composers, dancers, performing artists, arts and music educators, students generous benefactors and music lovers who are interested in creating a dynamic musical and cultural environment in their communities. Visit www.nfmc-music.org to learn more.
The California Federation of Music Clubs became affiliated with the National Federation of Music Clubs in 1923, and currently has over 133 Junior Music Clubs. With support from the National and State levels, local clubs are able to promote and provide musical opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities within their communities. Visit our membership page to learn about member benefits, and how you can get involved.
Paul R. Spitzzeri, wrote an article for the The Homestead Blog Striking a Chord: “Official Bulletin, California Federation of Music Clubs,” December 1920. This fascinating article contains of wealth of information. It showcases the beginnings of CFMC and the growth of our organization. Clubs raised money for prizes to send to local and state young artist winners. They were dedicated to cultivating the arts and talented students. This article perfectly describes the organiztions passion for musical arts in 1920, and much of their passion is still shared today.
The March 5, 1921 edition of Pacific Coast Musical Review, details an official report from the California Federation of Music Clubs and their convention in Los Angeles.