Membership with AKFMC provides valuable opportunities for both teachers and students by opening the door to a wide range of contests, competitions, and awards through the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC). These programs support musical development at all levels, from beginners to pre-professional students.

Each year, NFMC awards over $750,000 in scholarships, cash prizes, and performance opportunities at the local, state, and national levels. These programs not only provide financial assistance but also national exposure and invaluable performance experience.

Major national competitions include the Biennial Young Artist Awards, which offer $20,000 per category plus two years of national performance bookings, and the Ellis Duo-Pianists Competition, with $12,000 in prizes and concert opportunities. Additional awards include the Stillman-Kelly Instrumental Award for high school students, the Clara Wells Piano Award for undergraduates, and the Marion Anderson Vocal Award for classical vocalists.

NFMC also offers awards in areas such as voice, instrumental music, composition, dance, conducting, and music therapy, along with categories for visually impaired and physically challenged musicians. Students can also participate in patriotic and sacred music contests, and apply for over 38 annual and biennial scholarships to attend NFMC-sponsored Summer Music Centers.

Whether you teach young beginners or advanced students, there’s an award or competition that fits. To explore available opportunities, visit the NFMC Competitions & Awards page or reach out to our state awards chair for personalized guidance.

Joining AFFMC/KCPMT connects you with a supportive community of dedicated music educators across the Kenai Peninsula and beyond. the state. Membership provides access to practical tools, shared expertise, and ongoing mentorship from experienced colleagues.

As a member, you'll gain access to valuable resources, including:

A curated Classical Music Book Spreadsheet for Piano Solo events (E1 and above)

Bulletin and repertoire guidance to assist with festival preparation

Sample pages of Music Theory tests for student practice

Recommendations on tried-and-true materials from fellow members

Ongoing support and mentorship from local teachers

Access to virtual workshops (coming soon)

The NFMC Festival Program, run through AKFMC here in Alaska, gives students a fun and rewarding way to stay motivated in music lessons. As they participate in festival events each year, students earn points that go toward an engraved trophy—starting with a 7-inch cup at 15 points and growing all the way up to an 18-inch President’s Cup at 90 points. Younger students are part of the Gold Cup Program, while adults earn Silver Cups. Each trophy is personalized with the student’s name and awarded in the spring, making it a special celebration of their hard work and dedication.

Students can enter one event per category each year—like piano solo, theory, or sacred music. Most events earn up to 5 points annually, but there are some exceptions, such as combining points from solo and concerto over time. Many students participate in multiple events and even earn more than one cup in a year. The structure of the program encourages steady growth, new challenges, and continued enthusiasm for learning music.

The festival offers a wide variety of categories beyond piano, including voice, strings, guitar, and ensembles. In 2025, Alaska students earned points in events like Piano Solo, Piano Concerto, Hymn Playing, Patriotic Music, and Theory. The program is open to all levels and styles, and it’s a great way for students to explore new repertoire and build confidence through regular performances. For more information on available events and point values, families can check the NFMC Bulletin or ask their Festival Chair.