Though the celebration of National Music Week began in 1924 through the efforts of  Mr. Charles M. Tremaine, the international observation of it really started in 1958 when the National Federation of Music Clubs became the NMW sponsor. This week gives us an opportunity to focus the attention of all Americans on music as a dynamic means of communication between people and a satisfying channel of personal expression. Music, now more than ever a national need, can serve as a great force for maintaining peace and harmony among peoples. In the words of National Music Week’s founder,

“Music Week is, to some extent, different from all the other special ‘weeks.’  It is a ‘drive’ for music by the friends of music, but is also the occasion for participation in and receiving of pleasure, thus making it independent of any propelling force from behind.  It gathers its momentum as it goes along from the enjoyment it brings.  Its strength comes from the universal, yet sometimes unconscious human need for music, and participation ranges all the way from the elaborate concert and pageant to the simple home musicale with a place on the program sometimes even for the five-finger exercise beginner.  Music, permeating the atmosphere, enters many new places where it is welcome.”

You can read more about National Music Week on the National Federation of Music Club's website.