ABSTRACT
The National Federation’s archival documents provide a valuable insight into women’s involvement in musical activities in Britain’s rural communities during the twentieth century. The National Federation commissioned two musical works for its national events in 1950 and 1969, the premieres of which involved a large number of women. The extent of Institutes’ involvement outside the organization through their music activities can be seen from the relationship with other bodies that similarly promoted amateur music-making. The promotion of conducting, examined within the context of the National Federation’s educational policy, reveals that it has served more than one function within the organization. Whereas music policy has changed within the organization, the National Federation’s support of amateur music-making has remained steadfast. The extent of the organization’s commitment to amateur music-making can be seen in its unwillingness to be associated in any way with any accusations of ‘professionalism’.
