California Federation of Music Clubs
Affiliated with the National Federation of Music Clubs
Welcome music enthusiasts, music teachers and music performers.
We are part 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.
As a grassroots organization working in communities throughout America, NFMC provides musical opportunities for all ages: professional and amateur musicians, benefactors, volunteers, music lovers, music teachers, music students, and supportive parents. Discover the many opportunities and activities in which our over 90,000 members participate: Festival programs, competitive events, community outreach or just meeting music lovers in your community.
Teach Music
Join CFMC as a Junior Club, and get your students involved with local festivals and national award competitions.
JOIN CFMC TODAY
Contact Madeline Miller at mhermitte2@gmail.com, or visit our membership page, to learn more about membership and how you can become a member today
NFMC Junior Music Festival Update - The NEW Popular Piano Solo Event
NEW to this bulletin is the Popular Piano Solo Event. This event features repertoire of original compositions, and arrangements of both popular hit songs, and musical theater favorites. Students will perform TWO pieces from the same class list. Both pieces can be by the same composer, or arranger, and memory is not required. Amy Stephens, one of our CFMC members has compositions featured in this new event, and in the Piano Solo Event. Read about her and her music in the CFMC Member Spotlight below.
CFMC Member Spotlight
Composer Amy Stephens
Amy Stephens is a CFMC member, composer, and pianist whose pieces have been selected for the NEW 2024-2028 NFMC Bulletin. Get to know her by reading below
Click on the links above to visit her website, and to follow her on Instagram and Youtube.
Explore Amy's NFMC Bulletin Pieces
PIANO SOLO--DIFFICULT CLASS 1:
The Hummingbirds: Solo for One Hand (RH or LH)
POPULAR PIANO SOLO -- LEVEL 1
Skipping Rocks (from A Day at the Beach)
POPULAR PIANO SOLO -- LEVEL 2
Tide Pools (from A Day at the Beach)
Riding the Rails (from Childhood Excursions: Are We There Yet?!)
POPULAR PIANO SOLO -- LEVEL 3:
Riding the Waves (from A Day at the Beach)
Night on the Town (from Childhood Excursions: Are We There Yet?!)
All pieces available as hardcopy books or PDF downloads at www.amystephens.com
Getting to know Amy Stephens...
What is your most meaningful musical experience or memory? --My family attended many live concerts in Michigan when I was young, where I got to see incredible pianists like Andre Watts. When I was 8 years old, I watched a senior in high school performing a concerto with the school orchestra at the lovely Detroit Symphony Hall, and in that moment I felt very inspired and decided I would work hard to be a pianist and perform at DS Hall someday, which I did!
What do you enjoy when you are not composing or at the piano? -- I love being in the water, whether swimming open-water races or enjoying lap swim or a fun water aerobics class!
At what age and how did you start composing? -- I didn't write any music until my last year of undergrad at Indiana University, where I was working on two degrees: classical piano and jazz piano. I had finally begun to understand the art of improvisation in my classes with jazz master teacher/composer David Baker, and improvisation suddenly unlocked my ability to compose--it was quite a surprise!
What advice do you have for our young members interested in composing?--Definitely learn to improvise--any style works. Getting comfortable with improvisation expands our musical horizons and makes us better composers!
*If you are a CFMC member and would like to be featured, please contact Virginia Feitelson
About California Federation of Music Clubs (CFMC)
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.
Historical Archives of CFMC
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.
About National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC)
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.
Visit the National Website to learn more NFMC-Music.org