The Virginia Folk Music Association

The Virginia Folk Music Association (VFMA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional folk music and dance in Virginia.

The Virginia Folk Music Association: Who We Are and What We Do

The Virginia Folk Music Association (VFMA) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote and preserve the traditional music of Virginia. We are dedicated to education, performance, and research of the music and musical culture of our state.

The VFMA was founded in 1993 by Dr. faron Creech, a music professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, with the help of a group of like-minded folk musicians. The VFMA became an official 501(c)(3) organization in 1995.

We offer a yearly membership which includes a subscription to our quarterly newsletter, The Virginia Folk mailing list access, discounts on events and workshops, and more.

The History of the Virginia Folk Music Association

The Virginia Folk Music Association (VFMA) was founded in 1952 to promote and preserve the traditional music of Virginia. The VFMA is a non-profit organization that sponsors events and programs throughout the state. The VFMA also produces a quarterly newsletter and an annual festival.

The VFMA was originally called the Old Time Fiddlers Convention when it was founded by Dr. Ralph Stanley, George Pegram, and Robert G. Dunne. The first convention was held in at Newport News in October 1952. In 1953, the name was changed to the Virginia Folk Music Association. The VFMA held its first annual festival in 1959.

The VFMA sponsors numerous events and programs throughout the year, including concerts, workshops, dances, jams, and ceilis (pronounced kay-lees). The VFMA also offers grants and scholarships to support folk musicians and dancers.

The Importance of the Virginia Folk Music Association

The Virginia Folk Music Association, Inc. (VFMA) is a non-profit educational and cultural organization dedicated to the preservation, perpetuation, and dissemination of traditional music, dance, and related traditions of Virginia and the southeastern United States.

The Association was founded in 1953 for the purpose of collecting, preserving, and disseminating traditional music and related folklore of the region. In furtherance of these objectives, the Association:

-Maintains a reference library of books, periodicals, manuscripts, field recordings, audio and video tapes, photographs, slides, and other materials pertaining to traditional music and related folklore.
-Issues publications relating to traditional music and related folklore.
-Encourages research in all aspects of traditional music and related folklore.
-Assists in the presentation of public programs of traditional music and related folklore.
-Collects and archives field recordings of traditional musicians.

The Virginia Folk Music Association and the Preservation of Folk Music

The Virginia Folk Music Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of folk music. The Association was founded in 1961 by a group of music enthusiasts who wanted to share their love of traditional music with others. The VFMA is one of the oldest and most respected folk music organizations in the United States.

The Association sponsors many events throughout the year, including concerts, workshops, dances, and festivals. These events are open to the public and provide an opportunity for people to enjoy traditional music in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. The VFMA also offers membership in its Folklore Society, which provides access to a wide range of resources, including a monthly newsletter, discounts on folk music products and services, and invitations to special events.

The Virginia Folk Music Association and Education

The Virginia Folk Music Association (VFMA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1982. The VFMA is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and passing on traditional music and dance of Virginia and the southeastern United States.

Each year since 1984, the VFMA has coordinated and produced the Annual Historic Hampton Roads Folk Music and Dance Festival. This event features over 200 performers on twelve stages presenting continuous entertainment for two days. In addition to the festival, the VFMA offers monthly contra dances (with live music), an annual dance weekend retreat, instrument and dance workshops taught by master instructors from around the country, an annual fiddle contest, an old-time radio show ( heard locally on WHRV 89.5 FM), an online discussion group, an annual awards program to recognize contributions to traditional music and dance in Virginia, and this website which provides information about traditional music and dance events throughout Virginia.

The Virginia Folk Music Association and Outreach

The Virginia Folk Music Association (VFMA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional music, dance, and related folklore in Virginia. We achieve our mission through educational programs, public performances, recordings, publications, and other activities that celebrate and support the state’s rich cultural heritage.

The VFMA sponsors an annual festival each fall, as well as regular contra dances and old-time jams throughout the year. These events provide opportunities for musicians of all levels of experience to get together and enjoy playing traditional music. They also allow us to introduce this music to new audiences who may not be familiar with it.

In addition to our performance activities, the VFMA provides educational resources for teachers, students, and others interested in learning more about Virginia’s traditional music and culture. We offer workshops and classes on various aspects of folk music and dance, as well as an extensive lending library of music books, recordings, and videos.

The Virginia Folk Music Association and Research

The Virginia Folk Music Association (VFMA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, study and performance of traditional music and dance from Virginia and the southeastern United States.

The VFMA was organized in 1963 by a group of musicians and music lovers who were concerned about the lack of knowledge about and appreciation for the folk music traditions of their region. The VFMA is committed to providing opportunities for people of all ages to learn about and experience the joys of traditional music and dance.

The VFMA sponsors an annual festival, called the Virginia Folk Music Festival, which features performances by some of the best traditional musicians in Virginia and the Southeast. The Festival also includes workshops, jams sessions, square dances and other activities that give attendees a chance to participate in the music and dance.

In addition to the Festival, the VFMA sponsors concerts, dances and other events throughout the year. The VFMA also produces a quarterly newsletter, The Old-Time Herald, which features articles about Virginia’s traditional music scene as well as reviews of CDs, books and other resources.

The Virginia Folk Music Association and Advocacy

The Virginia Folk Music Association (VFMA) is a 501(c)(3) organization that ” nurtures, promotes, and preserves the diverse musical traditions of Virginia.” The VFMA is committed to connecting musicians with opportunities to perform and learn, as well as working to ensure that music remains an accessible and integral part of community life.

The VFMA offers a range of services and programs aimed at supporting folk musicians at all levels of experience, from beginners to professionals. These include open mics, jams, workshops, classes, retreats, festivals, and more. The VFMA also provides resources and advocacy on issues related to folk music in Virginia.

The Virginia Folk Music Association and Collaboration

The Virginia Folk Music Association (VFMA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting traditional music and dance in the state of Virginia. We do this through educational programs, performance opportunities, and community outreach initiatives. We believe that traditional music and dance are an important part of our state’s cultural heritage, and we work to ensure that they remain a vibrant part of our community.

One of the ways we achieve our goals is through collaboration with other organizations who share our mission. We are proud to partner with the following organizations:

The Virginia Folk Music Association: Our Future

Since its founding in 1954, the Virginia Folk Music Association has been promoting and preserving the state’s music and dance traditions. The organization is run by volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to keeping the state’s music alive.

The VFMA is committed to educating the public about Virginia’s musical heritage and promoting the performance of traditional music and dance. The organization offers a wide range of educational programs, including concerts, workshops, lectures, and demonstrations. The VFMA also publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Virginia Folk Music Gazette, which features articles on Virginia music and dance.

In recent years, the VFMA has faced challenges due to declining membership and funding. However, the organization remains committed to its mission of promoting and preserving Virginia’s musical traditions. With your support, we can ensure that the VFMA will continue to be a vital force in preserving our state’s musical heritage.