The mission of the Federation of Music festivals of Nova Scotia (FMFNS) is to operate an annual amateur competitive music festival which encourages young people to explore various forms and styles of music.

We hope to promote excellence in music, enjoyment of the performing arts and an atmosphere where our youth can learn the benefits of fun and healthy competition. The festival also supports the development of performing arts in our region by providing performance opportunities and awards to emerging musicians.

The FMFNS strives to meet its mission by the hard work of our dedicated volunteers. Funding of the festival comes from donations, endowments and admission fees collected at the venues.

The Federation of Music Festivals of Nova Scotia (FMFNS) was incorporated under the Societies Act of Nova Scotia on June 6th, 1980, and is recognized as a charitable organization. The Truro Music Festival, the oldest event of its kind in Atlantic Canada and the third oldest in the nation, began in 1922 with the first school music competitions.

In 1985, to comply with requirements set forth by Federation of Canadian Music Festivals (FCMF) for selection of national competitors, the society initiated the production of a separate and distinct Provincial Festival at St. Francis Xavier University. The following year a set of junior classes, designed as shadow classes, was added. This very popular innovation has enabled the participation of all local festivals and has increased the visibility and value of the Provincial Festival.

In 2002, FMFNS added both junior and senior Music Theatre classes, and in 2003 introduced junior and senior Classical Guitar to the competition.