The Stecher and Horowitz Foundation—MTNA $25,000 Gateway Prize for Advancement in the Arts
The Stecher and Horowitz Foundation–MTNA $25,000 Gateway Prize for Advancement in the Arts was designed to attract and interest young accomplished classical pianists worthy of recognition, who desire to further their dreams of success in this ever-changing world of the performing artist. A joint collaboration of the Stecher and Horowitz Foundation and the MTNA Foundation Fund, this prize signifies not just the philanthropic commitment of Norman Horowitz and Melvin Stecher to MTNA, but also their dedication to classical music through the quality of teaching, research, performance, and scholarship in music, all of which is a direct reflection of the standards of MTNA. This pinnacle honor is bestowed annually on the recipient whose career exemplifies the highest levels of artistry, teaching and community service.
The deadline for application is November 5, 2026, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The recipient will be notified no later than early January 2027. The presentation of the award will be during the 2027 MTNA National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 2–6, 2027. The recipient should plan to attend to receive the award in person.
Application Guidelines
Eligibility
- Applicant must be 40 years of age or younger as of November 5, 2026.
- Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Applicant must be a current, active classical pianist/performer, and a full- or part-time faculty member of a degree granting musical institution of higher education.
- Applicants may only apply for one of the following awards each year:
- The Stecher and Horowitz Power of Innovation Award
- The Stecher and Horowitz Foundation–MTNA $10,000 Joyce B. Cowin Career Grant
- The Stecher and Horowitz Foundation–MTNA $10,000 Melvin Stecher and Norman Horowitz Career Grant
- The Stecher and Horowitz Foundation–MTNA $25,000 Gateway Prize for Advancement in the Arts
- Previous recipients of the Stecher and Horowitz Foundation–MTNA $25,000 Gateway Prize for Advancement in the Arts are not eligible to apply.
Application Materials
- Current contact information including name, address, phone, and email.
- Applicant profile information including a current resume and date of birth.
- Four essays and supporting media/documents for each that demonstrate innovation and success in the following areas:
- Artistic Excellence (Essay and performance videos; there are no repertoire requirements as the program should be selected to best showcase the breadth of the applicant’s artistry)
- 45-minute solo performance video
- 30-minute collaborative performance video (must collaborate with one or more performers)
- Optional piano concerto performance video (no time limit)
- Pedagogical Leadership (Essay and two 30-minute teaching videos)
- Nurturing Spirit (Essay and choice of a video, article, report or other document)
- Community Service (Essay and choice of a video, article, report or other document)
- Artistic Excellence (Essay and performance videos; there are no repertoire requirements as the program should be selected to best showcase the breadth of the applicant’s artistry)
Note about submitting your materials: Please do NOT use Google Docs for any submissions. Use Word or PDF. Please also confirm that any YouTube videos are not password protected/private.
Selection Process
- A panel of adjudicators will evaluate each applicant's essays and documentation.
- 60% of the evaluation is based on the quality of work in each of the four areas noted above (15% per area).
- 40% of the evaluation is based on the overall impression of the creativity and innovative spirit of the applicant's professional endeavors.
Application Deadline
- All essays and documentation must be received no later than November 5, 2026, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Questions should be directed to the MTNA National Headquarters at mtnanet@mtna.org or by calling (513) 421-1420.
Failure to follow directions or meet eligibility requirements may disqualify the applicant.