National Music Week

The National Federation of Music Clubs, (NFMC) sponsors the National Music Week with an objective “to create an understanding and appreciation of the value of music in the home, the community, the nation, and the world.”

May 4-11, 2025 - Music is...unstoppable

Purpose

To invite all ages and national affiliate organizations to promote quality music education and the promotion of creative and performing arts in the United States by celebrating in communities throughout the nation.

National Music Week History

Following the sporadic observances of musical presentations, Charles M. Tremaine was the catalyst for an official National Music Week, and the first National Music Week was observed in 1924 in 452 cities and towns. Otto Kahn, Metropolitan Opera board chair served as NMW chair, and NFMC President Mrs. John F. Lyons served on the first NMW committee. President Calvin Coolidge served as the first Honorary Chair. Additional NMW historical information can be found in the book “National Music Week” by Charles M. Tremaine.

Celebrating for Over 100 Years

1915 - National Week of Song

1917 - First appearance of Music Week in Music Trades Review

1919 - First city observance in Boise, ID. DeForest Music Week in Sharon, PA, Dallas Music Day, & Music Week in Navasota, TX

1920 - Music Week, NY

1924-1957 - First National Observance Sponsored by National Recreation Association

1958 - Sponsored by NFMC and American Music Conference

1959 - Sponsored by NFMC

Ideas to Celebrate

Promoting National Music Week by telling a friend about NFMC
Decorating a music pennant to display
Listening to music by a new artist or composer
Singing your favorite songs with family and friends
Practicing your instrument everyday for the week
Reading a book about your favorite musician
Playing a new composition on your instrument
Inspiring a friend to play an instrument or listen to a local artist
Giving an impromptu concert to friends and family
Supporting your fellow musicians by having them play for you
Writing or improvise a composition, song or poem
Sharing your creative musical works and ideas with others

Fill out the survey below to share your plans for National Music Week, and to see how other people are celebrating throughout our state, county and world.

Click Here to contribute to the California National Music Week Survey & to read responses

Dear Federation Students and Families,

Music has the power to bring people together. From simply talking with friends about a new song on the radio, to performing a moving piece in front of an audience, music unites us. National Music Week is the one week a year where I become a Music Ambassador and go all out to inspire others about music. While we may listen to music everyday, my goal this year is for people to consider digging deeper and take the time to learn about the artists and composers behind the music they love. When you hear or play piece of music that moves you, take a moment to look up and read about who composed and performed it. Inspire others to do the same. Encourage your school and local libraries to showcase books about composers or famous music artists throughout this special week.

This year for National Music Week, our junior club is asking students to decorate a music inspired pennant to display at our festival. Also, in addition to promoting music week in our festival program, we have a special treat to hand out with information with ideas on how they can celebrate National Music Week and NFMC.

I would love to hear about your ideas, and how each of you are planning to celebrate National Music Week this year. Below, you can find the materials our club uses, including a National Music Week ambassador activity sheet, to record your ideas and activities. Work with your teacher on how to accomplish your goals to become a National Music Week Ambassador 🎵

Sincerely,

Virginia Feitelsonvpianostudio@hotmail.comWestern/North Central/South Central NFMC Regional Music Week Chair