California Federation of Music Clubs (CFMC) is dedicated to promoting American Music, 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.  

Joining CFMC and NFMC

Membership is all about connecting  and volunteering with a local music club.

CFMC offers a membership option for everyone!

Learn more about  memberships benefits below or by visiting our main membership page. Contact Madeline Miller at mhermitte2@gmail.com if you have questions or need help.

California Junior Club News 

CFMC Member Spotlight 

1. How long have you studied piano and violin, and what do you enjoy most about playing and performing each one? I have studied the piano for about 15 years, and what I enjoy about it the most is its ability to play it as a solo instrument and also its ability to adapt to any other instrument.  I have studied the violin for about 14 years, and what I enjoy about it the most is its ability to produce the sweetest lyrical melodies.

2. Do you have a favorite composer or genre of music? No, not really! I can enjoy many types of music. I prefer to stick to diatonic music, though. 

3. What advice would you give to a student who is just starting music lessons and preparing for their first Federation Festival? Practice slowly! It is the best form of practice and can fix virtually any mistake. It also extends your practice time so your parents would be rightfully convinced that you practiced enough for the day. Also, enjoy the music you play! The entire point of music is entertainment.

4. Was there ever a time you considered participating in the festival with only one instrument instead of both? What helped you decide what to do? No, I have never thought of only participating in only one instrument. My amount of dedication in music matched the two instrument entries.

5. High school can be busy and demanding. What helped you stay motivated to continue festival participation, and what would you say to other high school students trying to do the same? Choose pieces of music that you enjoy playing. Of course, you can’t only play pieces that you enjoy, but the pieces you play should feel as little of a burden as possible, despite the fact that practicing music always feeling like a burden.

6. Is there a performance or moment that stands out as your favorite or one you’re most proud of? Playing the entire Tchaikovsky violin concerto! It was so satisfying. I have wanted to play that piece front to back for my entire life.

7. What does earning two President’s Cups represent in your musical journey, and what guidance would you offer students hoping to achieve the same goal? It represents the end of music practice feeling like a burden. Now, I have the skills required to play whatever music I like; I can play with friends, adapt songs for the piano, experiment, and choose how I interact with music. Guidance I would give to other students hoping to achieve the same goal is that the most important aspect of this award is dedication. You have to practice and participate in JMF consistently.

8. What do you like to do when you are not practicing or performing? I enjoy cooking, baking, watching Formula 1, goofing off with my little brother, and playing with my cats.

9. What are your plans after you graduate? I plan to serve my mandatory military service in Singapore. Then, I plan to go to college to study aerospace engineering.

10. Do you have a favorite quote or inspiration that you would like to share? Smiling doesn’t make you beautiful; happiness makes you smile, which makes you beautiful. Be as large of a source of happiness as much as possible! Also, it’s easy to call other people stupid when they disagree with you. Just know that disagreeing is okay, and try to figure out the information values that they use to come up with their side of the argument and why they think the way they think. Most importantly, it’s okay to be wrong. Changing perspectives doesn’t mean getting humbled. It’s part of becoming wiser. It’s better to lose an argument and become smarter than it is to win an argument and stay stupid.

Click the images below to read about other CFMC Spotlight Members

*If you are a CFMC member and would like to be featured, please contact Virginia Feitelson