Our History
The Foundation for the Promotion of Music (FPM) was organized in 1974 with four goals for Gainesville and the surrounding area:
Honor outstanding musicians
Recognize superior student musicians
Encourage the study of music
Present programs of interest to the community
The FPM supports these goals by granting music awards and presenting public recitals. Every year, we hold auditions for four awards: the Betsy Schnell Piano Award, the Sarah B. Fouse Woodwind Award, the Dorothy Reaves String Award, and the William Dishman Brass Award. The recipients of these awards perform at the Awards Recital. We also present a Musician of the Year Award, which honors an adult musician; a Stellar Student Recital, which honors outstanding young musicians; and, a Guest Artist Recital, which features adult musicians or individual music groups in our community. The FPM also sponsors the Sonata/Sonatina Festival Competition, which is a competitive, adjudicated event available to students of FPM piano teachers. All of these recitals are usually held at the Thomas Center, which is a beautiful historic building that is an important part of the musical life of Gainesville, Florida.
The FPM is a member of the Florida Federation of Music Clubs, Inc. and the National Federation of Music Clubs. As a Senior Club, we support activities that sponsor American music and encourage our young musicians with performance and scholarship opportunities, including the Gainesville Area Junior Festival and the Jeanie/Stephen Vocal Competition.
Florida Federation of Music Clubs
Organized in 1913, the Florida Federation of Music Clubs, Inc. is a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs and is dedicated to the purpose of furthering music education and fostering a musical environment in our communities through the sponsorship of musical events and by providing performing opportunities for our talented and deserving young people. As well, FFMC, Inc. sponsors competitive events in which participating students can win awards and scholarships.
National Federation of Music Clubs
Founded in 1898, NFMC has become the largest nonprofit organization in America to promote and support American music, performers and music education. As a grassroots organization working in communities throughout America, we provide musical opportunities for all ages: professional and amateur musicians, benefactors, volunteers, music lovers, music teachers, music students, and supportive parents. Their over 121,000 members participate in festival programs, competitive events, community outreach or just meeting music lovers in your community.