The OFMC (Oregon Federation of Music Clubs)
Festival Program
Aaron is a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC), and it's local state organization, the Oregon Federation of Music Clubs. Because of this affiliation and membership, Aaron’s students qualify to participate in nationally recognized Federated events such as Festival. It is a program designed for students to perform two memoized pieces of music and to have their performance adjudicated. One of these pieces comes from an NFMC catalogue consisting of American contemporary composers. The other piece is one that Aaron and his students choose and is not in the NFMC catalogue.
Students are assigned to a class of 4-8 students based on their age, level of participation (there are several levels), and the pieces that they are performing. Each student in the class performs their pieces for each other and in front of a small audience.
A highly qualified adjudicator provides each student with written comments on their playing and then addresses the group as class. Students receive ribbons, certificates, and points for their individual performance. When a student earns 15 points (this takes at least 3 years), they get special recognition at a gold-cup recital in the spring. Festival is an excellent program in which Aaron encourages students to participate.
The OMTA (Oregon Music Teacher’s Association)
Syllabus Program
As a member of the Oregon Music Teacher’s Association, Aaron encourages all of his students to participate in the OMTA syllabus program. Syllabus is a graduated course of study based on a comprehensive music curriculum consisting of scales and technique, theory, and repertoire. A formal evaluation by a qualified adjudicator culminates each level of study.
Students are taken through level requirements and are given a written critique as well as oral comments at the evaluation’s conclusion. The actual evaluation is between only the student and the adjudicator and is not a recital performance. Evaluations are generally held in the spring, and fall syllabus is also held for those who continue to study in the summer. All of Aaron's students begin learning syllabus at the beginning of the school year; however, participation in the actual spring adjudication depends on each student’s preparedness and desire to participate.