Many of our teachers at CAM offer their students the opportunity to participate in the NFMC Music Festival each year. In early October we will begin the registration process. If your child has never participated before, read on to learn more about this wonderful event!
At Festival, students perform two pieces before a judge and receive valuable feedback on their skills. This is not a competition. It is a very encouraging, motivating experience for the beginner, intermediate and advanced student. Students of all ages may participate, including adults. There are various locations at which our students participate:
Woodwinds – February 1, Charlotte Academy of Music
Strings – February 1, Ballantyne Presbyterian Church
Piano Scholarship/Make Up Day/ Voice/Guitar – February 8, CPCC Uptown
Piano Solo – February 15, Charlotte Academy of Music
About the NFMC Music Festival
Federation Festival is conducted by the NFMC for the purpose of encouraging students to a higher level of musicianship, giving them the opportunity to be heard by a trained musician other than their own teacher, and helping them realize that they are part of a large community of young musicians. Festival is a NON-COMPETITVE event, meaning that students are not compared with each other, they are simply critiqued on how well they express what the composer has written on the page. A wide array of instruments may participate. There is a category for all instrumental and vocal lessons we provide at CAM. There is also a Theory exam for any students who wish to be prepared for that event.
Ratings
Each student will be heard individually and given a performance rating by a teacher referred to as “The Judge”. The performance will be judged on accuracy of notes, rhythm, dynamics, memory, and general musicianship. Ratings will be given based on what the judge hears the day of the Festival. Each rating is worth points towards trophies (Superior 5 points, Excellent 4 points, etc). Once a student has accumulated 15 points they earn their first trophy. Please see below for a description of ratings.
SUPERIOR – Highest performance rating. It is given for a very accurate performance. The performance must be, in the opinion of the judge, superior. Complete, outstanding performance, attention to all details, rapid recovery from minor slips (slips do not detract from interpretation).
EXCELLENT – Honor rating. It is given for a performance with a high degree of accuracy, just not as good as Superior. This is a rating to be proud of. Promising, strong performance showing accomplishment, minor discrepancies in details, slips detract from presentation.
SATISFACTORY – Shows accomplishment, additional work needed in one or more areas for convincing presentation. This is a desirable rating.
FAIR – Some commendable aspects, severe deficiencies in fundamentals show lack of preparation, not ready for performance.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT – Obviously poorly prepared and appears unconcerned with performance.
No matter your age, instrument, or level.. Festival is a great opportunity for you! For more information on the NFMC, visit www.nfmc-music.org