History
The CFMTA was founded on August 24, 1935 in Vancouver by a group of professional musicians who were also recognized as eminent teachers. They represented the Provincial Associations of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The impetus for the formation of this organization resulted from correspondence between Minnie Boyd of Winnipeg and Roy Robertson of Vancouver, as well as through consultation with the Presidents of the four founding Provincial Organizations. The officers elected to this new federation were: President - Roy Robertson (Vancouver); Vice-President - Mrs. O. J. Walker (Edmonton); Secretary-Treasurer - Minnie Boyd (Winnipeg). On August 26, 1935 a framework for the By-Laws and a Constitutional outline were drawn up.
Other Provincial Organizations gradually became affiliated with the CFMTA: Ontario in 1942, Nova Scotia in 1944, Quebec in 1945, New Brunswick in 1955, Newfoundland in 1987 and Prince Edward Island in 1995.
“The first convention of the CFMTA was held in Vancouver in July, 1936... ”
The first convention of the CFMTA was held in Vancouver in July, 1936 with one hundred and fourteen delegates registered and the following year the second convention took place in Winnipeg. Subsequently conventions became a biennial event, hosted by Provincial organizations, and most provinces have taken on this role several times. During Convention Week a time is set aside for business to be conducted by the Executive Council, and the AGM provides all attending CFMTA members a chance to familiarize themselves with the affairs of the national organization. In a non-convention year provincial Delegates and the Executive hold business meetings and the AGM.
Currently the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers encompasses all provinces of Canada, with a membership of approximately 3500. We have national programs of interest to all Canadians, such as Canada Music Week, the Young Artist Tours which take place in every region of Canada, and the National Piano Competition which is held at our Biennial conventions. We promote musical excellence through the many workshops, master classes and musical events held by our member provinces and our branches throughout Canada. We collaborate with music organizations to further progressive music education in Canada and communicate through our publication “ The Canadian Music Teacher” and our website.
Our Honorary National President is Helen Dahlstrom, who is a past-president of CFMTA and the founder of Canada Music Week.
This history was compiled by Margaret M. Westdal and up-dated by Barbara Clarke and Darlene Brigidear.