Union of Female Musician Artists

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Union of Female Musician Artists (UFAM) — a short, easy-to-read overview

What was UFAM?
UFAM was a Paris-based non-profit founded in 1910 to help women musicians. Although the acronym is often read as “Union Française des Artistes Musiciens,” that exact wording isn’t correct. The group aimed to support female instrumentalists and singers with practical help and opportunities to perform.

Founders and purpose
UFAM was created by Lucy Tassart (a singer) and Privat de Séverac (a composer and conductor). It started as a charity-style association to assist women in practical ways, then expanded to organize concerts and international music competitions.

History and leadership
UFAM received public-interest status in 1914. Lucy Tassart led the organization as president until her death in 1946; Privat de Séverac was the official founder but not an active decision-maker. In 1942, UFAM opened its annual competition to men.

Membership and aid
UFAM had three member categories: Benefactor Members (patrons), Honorary Members, and Professional Female Beneficiary Members (who paid a small annual fee and had to prove they were musicians). The association offered various aids, including:
- A relief fund for members in need
- Rent subsidies
- Paid countryside stays for health
- Legal and medical assistance
- Medicines and wardrobe loans
- Opportunities to perform or teach
- A retirement home project (a renovated house in Samoreau, opened for stays)

UFAM concerts
To raise funds, UFAM organized concerts. In 1914, the UFAM Orchestra and Choir was created, sometimes with additional male musicians, and could include up to about 250 performers. It was frequently conducted by Georges de Lausnay. Between 1914 and 1939, UFAM gave nearly 80 concerts, with many held at the Salle Gaveau. The UFAM Studio also served as a rehearsal and meeting space.

UFAM Conservatoire
In 1923, UFAM established a Conservatoire, drawing teachers from its own members.

International competitions
After World War II, UFAM increasingly focused on its international music and singing competitions (these began in the 1930s) and on an annual Paris concert featuring competition winners. The competitions offered various categories, including instrument contests, the Paris International Chamber Music Competition, the Paris International Singing Competition, and the International Ensemble Music Competition. Winners often went on to successful careers, and UFAM regularly invited contemporary composers to write new works for its events.

End of UFAM
UFAM was dissolved by decree on May 13, 2016. It had also opened its competitions to men in 1942.

Legacy
UFAM played a pioneering role in supporting and promoting female musicians during the early 20th century, helping many artists gain recognition and develop their careers.