PERFORMANCE COMPETITIONS

The purposes of the Music Teachers National Association Performance competitions are to provide educational experiences for students and teachers and to recognize exceptionally talented young artists and their teachers in their pursuit of musical excellence. The state competitions are considered the primary educational level with the division and national levels showcasing outstanding performance and honoring significant pedagogical achievement.

COMPOSITION COMPETITIONS

The purpose of the Music Teachers National Association composition competition is to encourage creativity and self-expression in student musicians through the art of composing and to recognize their achievements, as well as the significant work of their teachers.

2011–2012 MTNA Student Competitions

Competitions

Elementary (Composition Only)

• Age: 5–10 as of January 1, 2012

Junior

• Age: 11–14 as of January 1, 2012
• Competitions: Composition,  Piano, String, Woodwind

Senior
• Age: 15–18 as of January 1, 2012
• Competitions: Composition, Brass, Piano, String, Voice, Woodwind
• Piano Duet (one piano/four hands) Age: 11–18 as of January 1, 2012, with at least one student age 15–18
  

Young Artist
• Age: 19–26 as of January 1, 2012
• Competitions: Composition, Brass, Piano, String, Voice, Woodwind

Chamber Music (3–6 performers)

• Age: average age of ensemble members must be 18–26 as of January 1, 2012
• Competitions: String and Wind (two tracks)
  

• The National Finals of the competitions are scheduled for March 24–28, 2012, in New York, New York. For a complete list of State and Division Competition dates and locations, consult the links at the right.

The following requirements must be met by the application deadline, otherwise the student is not eligible to enter the competitions.

All entrants must:

• Study with a teacher who is (1) a member of MTNA or (2) has paid the Nonmember Teacher Fee of $150.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or must hold a U.S. visa, which is valid throughout the competition year.
• Meet age requirements as specified for each competition.
• Enter either (1) in the state where the student has permanent residence or (2) in the state where the instruction takes place. A student may enter the competition in only one state.

Teacher Requirements

MTNA Member Teachers

• Teachers must be aware of the student requirements.
  
• Current active membership dues for MTNA should be paid on or before August 31, 2011, for students to be eligible. MTNA members are not required to be members of the state in which the student enters.
  
• An MTNA collegiate member must pay active membership dues for students to be eligible.
• The teacher listed on the application is the teacher of record and shall remain so during the competition year. In the event the student changes teachers during the competition year, both teachers, past and present, will be listed as the teachers of record. Any exception is at the sole discretion of the MTNA Director of Competitions in consultation with the Competitions Committee, but in no event will the student be disqualified as a result of a teacher change.
• The teacher and the student may not be the same individual.
  

Nonmember Teachers
• Nonmembers have the option of becoming a member of MTNA or paying a Teacher Fee of $150. This fee will allow students into the various MTNA competitions, provided all other eligibility requirements are met. Nonmember fees or new member dues must be paid on or before September 13, 2011.
  
• The teacher listed on the application is the teacher of record and shall remain so during the competition year. In the event the student changes teachers during the competition year, both teachers, past and present, will be listed as the teachers of record. Any exception is at the sole discretion of the MTNA Director of Competitions in consultation with the Competitions Committee, but in no event will the student be disqualified as a result of a teacher change.
• The teacher and the student may not be the same individual.

State Teacher Fees
• Some states may charge teacher fees for entrants in the MTNA competitions. It is the responsibility of the state to contact the teacher regarding any state-assessed teacher fees.



Competition Agreement

• It is the responsibility of the teacher, coach, entrant and parent or guardian to abide by all rules and regulations for the MTNA Student Competitions. Failure to meet this responsibility will result in the disqualification of the entrant at the level of competition where the discrepancy is discovered.
  
• All entry fees are nonrefundable.



Go To Performance Competitions Guidelines

Go To Composition Competitions Guidelines




2012 National Rehearsals and Competitions 

 New York City


Competitions	Rehearse	Compete	Recital
Junior	March 23	March 24	March 25
Senior	March 24	March 25	March 26
Young Artist	March 25	March 26	March 27
Chamber Music	March 23	March 24	March 25
Composition	N/A	N/A	March 25–27




 

MTNA Student Competitions
Application Instructions


Entry fees are nonrefundable.

Information needed for application:
1. Complete repertoire information (movement numbers, tempo markings, timings)
2. Student and teacher names, address, telephone number(s), e-mail address of student, parent, teacher
3. Valid credit card number and security code (American Express, Master Card, Visa)