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Federation of Recorded Music Societies
 (President - Julian Lloyd Webber)

Do you like Music?
Do you enjoy it more in the company of other like-minded people?
A Recorded Music Society might be just the thing for you!

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Our Statement on Safeguarding is now available.

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EQUIPMENT SUPPORT

FRMS gratefully acknowledges support at its events from
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a picture of Julian Lloyd Webber

Meet Julian Lloyd Webber OBE
our President


FRMS - WHO ARE WE?

The Federation of Recorded Music Societies (FRMS) can claim to have played its part in developing greater enthusiasm and understanding of recorded classical music over a substantial portion of the past century.

The Federation was formed in 1936 as the National Federation of Gramophone Societies. Although the title has changed to reflect more recent developments, the aims of the movement have remained basically unaltered and the attraction is still present in the 21st century as over 100 societies continue to meet on a regular basis.

ADVANTAGES OF AFFILIATION TO THE FRMS

The Federation was formed in 1936 as a voluntary association of societies in the British Isles for the purpose of protecting their interests and furthering their aims. Twenty-three Societies originally affiliated - now the number is well over 100. Our main function is to manage licensing arrangements with Performing Right Society Ltd (PRS) and Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) for the licences necessary for performing recorded music in public, on terms favourable to our members. The fees are greatly reduced from those normally applied by these organisations for individual licences. A particular benefit of this arrangement is that it is the society itself that is licensed and not the premises. This means that the society is covered for PRS and PPL wherever it chooses to meet.

FEATURED LINK

Each month we highlight below one of the links on our Links Page for your special attention:

Slipped Disc is the blog of music journalist and critic Norman Lebrecht. Go there for the very latest in news and gossip in the world of music.

20/10/26

LATEST NEWS

Safeguarding

Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is a priority for all organisations that deal with them, and this includes recorded music societies. Please read our new safeguarding page and the FRMS Safeguarding Statement you will find there.

The page can also be found in the list of background information links on the left of this page.

07/09/26

Torbay Music Weekend

The Torbay Music Weekend will take place this year on the weekend of 13th to 16th November. Please take a look at the programme, a lively mix of talks and performances.

The Torbay Member Subscription of £125 covers entry to all performances as well as preferential room rates at the Grand Hotel. Tickets for individual performances may be purchased by non-residents.

See the event’s website for further information and how to book.

22/07/26

Bows and Arrows

Our President has published his autobiography! Bows and Arrows is a vivid no-holds-barred account of his incredible career as a classical musician. One of the arrows of outrageous fortune was an injury in 2014 which compelled him to stop performing. This prompted him to explore other musical avenues and Julian has become a tireless champion of musical education, serving for five years as the principal of a leading music conservatoire. Available from all good bookshops, or Amazon, or the publisher Biteback.

28/04/26

Stop Press!

The latest newsletter is published. Fourteen pages for your reading pleasure, compiled by FRMS Chairman Tony Sanderson

24/03/26

RESOURCES

There is a wide range of resources which societies might find of value.

Starting your own society
Presenting a programme
Sample Presentations
Presenters Panel
Useful database program for keeping track of programmes/presenters/pieces played
Music courses on DVD/CD
On Vinyl

Notice from Website Manager re- colours

 
Useful Links to other music websites
Email Contacts
Website Manager

All site content © The Federation of Recorded Music Societies 2004–2026
Website managed by Ron Mitchell -- Last updated 20-10-2026
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