Welcome to the Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs. 

Charlene Headshot

In 1916, just 28 years after the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) was founded, representatives from the Pennsylvania State Teachers Association and numerous State Music Clubs from 7 cities came together on November 8th and took the initial steps to become a state organization under the NFMC. Since that historic gathering, the Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs (PFMC) has been a very active and robust State within the NFMC. At its inception, the PFMC adopted the objectives established by the NFMC – to promote creative and performing arts in America and to foster young musical talent. To this end the PFMC has remained committed to high musical standards, the advancement of music and the arts in our communities, music education in our schools, and promotion of American music and musicians.

PA Music club logo

Pennsylvania’s essential role in the founding of the United States earned it the nickname, the “Keystone State”.  The term “keystone” comes from architecture and refers to the central, wedge-shaped stone in an arch, which holds all the other stones in place.  Geographically, Pennsylvania’s central location along the arch of the 13 original states calls to mind a keystone.  PFMC is proud of its tradition and its current place within the NFMC.  From the first elected President, Mrs. C. S. Collins, and all the President’s that followed, to all of the past and current board members and too many to count volunteers through its 104 years, PFMC has played a vital role within the NFMC.  On May 5th, 1933, the PFMC became federated as a non-profit entity with 4 of its charter clubs of the current 20 still active, supporting and drawing on the NFMC. 

emily tupper

The PFMC continually supports the NFMC with festival participation, performance opportunities and competitions, junior composer awards, junior club activities, and awards presented to its senior members by the NFMC.  Over the years, numerous PFMC members have held critical positions in the NFMC as committee chairs, division leaders, elected and appointed officers, and board members. 

Through its twenty music clubs, the PFMC brings musical opportunities for both amateur and professional musicians and music lovers, young and old, to communities throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Its structure parallels that of the NFMC with three member-classifications: Juniors (under age 19), Seniors (age 19 and older), and Student/Collegiate members (ages 19-25). Membership in both the PFMC and the NFMC is accomplished by simply becoming a member of one of the Senior or Junior Music Clubs in Pennsylvania or by joining as an Individual member. 

Nathan

Both the PFMC and NFMC offer competition and award opportunities to members in all three classifications and all are listed on this website. The PFMC Competitions & Awards are those sponsored by the Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs, while the NFMC Competitions & Awards are promoted by the Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs but sponsored by the National Federation of Music Clubs. Additionally, there are numerous NFMC Festivals located throughout the State of Pennsylvania that are open to participation by both Junior and Senior members.

For those of you interested in supporting the goals of the NFMC/PFMC, please consider membership in the Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs.  It is gratifying to see the impact of music on people of all ages, and it is especially rewarding to enrich the lives of young musicians through various musical outlets.