MTNA Competitions

The MTNA National Competitions are the most successful and prestigious student competitions in the country. Each year, thousands of students compete for top prizes and national recognition. The purpose of the Music Teachers National Association Performance competitions is 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 three-tiered Junior, Senior and Young Artist Performance Competitions begin with State Competitions. (Note: Brass and Voice, Senior and Young Artist, please see changes under **NEW THIS YEAR below) The winners/representatives of each state's competitions advance to a video-only Division Competition. Division winners compete in the National Finals at the annual MTNA National Conference. The State Competitions are considered the primary educational level with the division and national levels showcasing outstanding performance and honoring significant pedagogical achievement. Competitions include Piano, Piano Duet (Senior only), String, and Woodwind.

**NEW THIS YEAR—Brass and Voice (Senior and Young Artist only) Performance Competitions are two-tiered competitions: the Preliminary Round, by video submission only; and the Final Round, live at the MTNA National Conference. Entrants will compete without regard to the state or division in which they live or take lessons. Seven finalists will be selected in both the Brass and Voice categories from a nationwide pool of applicants to compete in the final round.**

Composition Competitions, for Elementary, Junior, Senior and Young Artist levels, are also three tiers. The winners/representatives of each state’s competition advance to the Division Competition. Division winners compete in the National Finals. The national winners have their compositions performed at the annual MTNA National Conference.

The Chamber Music Competitions are two-tiered competitions: the preliminary round, by video submission only; and the final round, live at the MTNA National Conference. Ensembles will compete without regard to the state or division in which they live or take lessons, and seven ensembles will be selected in both the String and Wind categories from a nationwide pool of applicants to compete in the final round.

Entry information for all competitions can be found below.

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Registration for Composition, Piano, Piano Duet, Strings and Woodwinds is now open!

Registration for Chamber Music, Brass and Voice Competitions will open November 1, 2024.


To begin the registration process, click on the Competition Guidelines button below, then click on the appropriate button at the bottom of the Guidelines page to proceed.