District of Columbia Federation of Music Clubs

About the DCFMC

Since 1898, a grassroots network of dedicated volunteers has worked to preserve our nation's music and encourage its musicians. Today 200,000 people across America belong to the National Federation of Music Clubs, making it one of the country's most influential forces for the enrichment of our musical life. The Federation is one of only three music organizations chartered by the United States Congress and the only music organization to be a member of the United Nations.

Opening Doors to Opportunity

Year after year through its local member clubs, the Federation keeps alive the joy of music for future generations by encouraging and supporting students, emerging professionals, and young composers through the recognition of competitions, concerts, and awards. Membership offers important benefits for students, their teachers, and music lovers of all persuasions.

DC Federation of Music Clubs

The local branch of the National Federation is the District of Columbia Federation of Music Clubs. Its members are both individiuals and local music organizations. It focuses on discovering and nurturing young musicians at the start of their careers and providing opportunities for them to perform before appreciative audiences. It also sponsors performances in DC public schools by students for their classmates to introduce live classical music to young audiences. Above all, consistent with its tax-exempt status [501(c)(3)], it is dedicated to supporting all forms of musical education and proficiency through informal recitals, concerts, festivals, and juried competitions for aspiring young artists.

A Calendar Full of Music

The Guy Concerts. Named for the distinguished Washington teacher Iva Loughlin Guy, these performances by members and guest performers are given in members' homes, followed by an informal reception to meet the artists and socialize with some of the most interesting people in Washington.

Junior Recitals. Junior recitals give youngsters an informal, relaxed showcase for their talent. Some Junior recitals are judged, and winners perform in the annual Honors Recital. Junior Recitals also give members a rare opportunity to hear promising artists before they become widely known.

Composers Contests. DCFMC participates in three competitions for composers sponsored by the National Federation: the Senior American Women Composers Performance Awards, a competition for Young Composers aged 16 to 25, and a competition for Junior Composers aged 6 to 18. It also presents its own Women Composers Club in an annual public concert.

Baroque Festival. Open to pupils of all ages with teachers who are DCFMC members, the annual Baroque Music Festival gives certificates to each participant who performs from memory one work by J.S. Bach and one by another Baroque composer.

Opera Workshop. Local singers and students gain valuable experience by staging and performing operatic roles as soloists and in ensembles.

National Music Week. An annual "Students Performing for Students" program to celebrate National Music Week, these performances introduce school children to the wonders of live music presented by their classmates.

Helene Maginnis Memorial Recital. To perpetuate her love of piano music from the Romantic Era, Mrs. Maginnis' family endowed a $150 prize for the best performance in a Junior Recital of a work from this repertoire.

The Gretchen Hood Memorial Award. This biennial competition offers a first prize of $500, endowed by the late Washington soprano Gretchen Hood, to encourage young artists preparing for careers in music.

LaSalle Spier Piano Competition. In memory of the Washington teacher, composer, and pianist LaSalle Spier, this biennial competition offers a $1,500 prize and a major performance opportunity to pianists between the ages of 18 and 25. This competition is not being held until further notice. The DCFMC is currently looking for a member to run the competition.

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