About the Adult Student Music Forum

The Adult Music Student Forum, Inc. (AMSF) is a Washington, D.C.-region association of adult music students that provides educational and performance opportunities to non-professional/non-collegiate adult instrumental and vocal students, regardless of their level of expertise. Beginners, students returning to music after an extended absence, and advanced students are all welcomed by the Forum.

AMSF offers opportunities to share enthusiasm and experience, be exposed to new ideas, develop performance skills, meet others with similar musical interests, and to grow in understanding and appreciation of the musical experience. AMSF provides regular members with:

  • opportunities to perform in recital series and community outreach programs designed for varying levels of repertoire and experience;
  • two or three special events each year on topics of interest to active adult music students;
  • Keynotes, a quarterly newsletter with articles that educate, that explore issues of technique, performance, and practice, and that inform readers of the activities of members and the organization.

Membership

Regular Membership

Any adult who actively studies or plays a musical instrument or is engaged in the study of vocal music in a non-professional, non-collegiate capacity, is eligible for regular membership. For more specific guidance, see the AMSF policy statement regarding Regular membership. Regular members:

  • receive our quarterly newsletter, Keynotes
  • may participate in all events

Associate Membership

Any adult, including music teachers and other professional musicians, may join AMSF as an Associate member. Persons living outside the Washington, D.C. region may join as associate members just to receive our newsletter. Associate members:

  • receive our quarterly newsletter, Keynotes
  • may attend all special events and open recitals but are not permitted to participate as soloists in recitals.

Apply for Membership

If you have further questions or concerns about membership, please contact us. Click here for a membership application form and instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does AMSF have branches in other cities? AMSF does not have branches in other cities, but we do list some national and local organizations that might be of interest to adult music students in the Links section of the website .
  • Could you recommend a [voice/instrument] teacher? We recommend that you contact your local music teachers association(s). If you reside in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, you may contact the Washington Music Teachers Association at (703) 532-2641, the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association, or the Montgomery County Music Teachers Association.
  • Contact us if you have further questions or want to share concerns or ideas.

History of the Adult Student Music Forum, Inc.

The Adult Music Student Forum, Inc. is the successor to an unincorporated association by the same name that was founded in 1988 by Matthew Harre. At that time, Mr. Harre, a teacher of many adult piano students, approached the board of directors for the Washington Music Teachers Association, Inc. (WMTA) with the idea of an association of adult students in an attempt to establish a greater range of services for those students.

When the association was established, there was only one activity for beginning/intermediate adult music students in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area—the WMTA adult recital series. Mr. Harre suggested, and the WMTA board agreed, that a new organization be founded. The new organization would take over the expenses and manpower needs of the WMTA adult recital series and, in return, WMTA would allow this new organization to benefit by association with its name. The name “Adult Music Student Forum” was adopted, and the new group was formed.

After several years of operating as an adjunct to WMTA, members of the AMSF board decided that it would be in the best interests of the Forum to incorporate, thus establishing independence from WMTA. AMSF incorporated in January, 1994, and it established its non-profit status later that same year.

For more on the founding and early history of the Forum, read Matthew Harre’s Historical Perspective and the AMSF Presidents' tribute to Matt Harre.