NFMC Competitions & Awards Program

The National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) offers more than $750,000 in competition and award prizes on the local, state and national level. The Biennial Young Artist and Ellis Duo-Pianists competitions award a total of $92,000 in awards and two years of performance bookings. Additional competitions are sponsored by the Federation in a wide range of categories, including voice, instrumental music, composition, dance, conducting, handicapped and visually impaired, and music therapy. NFMC also sponsors more than 38 annual and biennial awards for students desiring to attend the 20 sponsored Summer Music Centers. Applicants must be native-born or naturalized American citizens for most awards, with specific exceptions for certain competitions. Membership in NFMC is required either by individual or group affiliation before applications are accepted, with exceptions for Young Artist Awards, Ellis Piano Duo Awards, and several other specific programs. The program encompasses multiple divisions including Junior Division, Student Collegiate Division, Senior Division, and Young Artist Competition, each with distinct eligibility requirements and award categories.