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MTNA National Competitions

MTNA National Student 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 MTNA 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 MTNA Competitions include Performance, Composition, Chamber Music, and the Stecher and Horowitz Two Piano Competition. 

 MTNA Competition Homepage

 MTNA Competition Guidelines



2026-2027  MTNA National Performance Competitions Information

  • Application deadline:  Wednesday, September 9,  2026, 3 PM, Eastern Time

  • Junior, Senior, and Young Artist Levels

  • The California (State Level) Performance Competition will be in-person.  

    Date: October 31, 2026- November 1, 2026  (Sat & Sun: 8 AM to 6 PM)

    Location: California State University, Long Beach

  • Winners will move on to the MTNA National Performance Competition (Division Level: Southwest United States), which will take place as video auditions on Acceptd. Deadline: December 2, 2026, 3 PM, Eastern Time

    MTNA Competition Guidelines

    https://www.mtna.org/Performance_Guidelines.html

  • Winners at the Southwest Division Level will move on to the MTNA National Competitions Performance Finals, which will take place at the 2027 MTNA National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri in April.

  • To compete in the 2026-2027 MTNA Performance Competitions, students must complete BOTH steps below. Paying only the California ADDED STATE FEE does not enter a student in a competition. 

    Step 1. Register and pay MTNA. Complete registration and pay the MTNA fee on the MTNA Competitions website.

    Step 2. Pay the $80 California ADDED STATE FEE . Once step 1 is complete, pay the California  ADDED STATE FEE  on this page. It is $80 for all levels (NON-REFUNDABLE).

  • California State Fee Submission Extended Deadline: September 30, 2026

Pay CA State Fee.


2026-2027 MTNA National Composition Competitions Information

  • Application deadline: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 3 PM, Eastern Time

  • Elementary, Junior, Senior and Young Artist levels

  • In addition to PDF scores, YOUTUBE links will be required.  See MTNA Guidelines: 

    MTNA Competition Guidelines

    https://www.mtna.org/Composition_Guidelines.html

  • PDF scores must be computer generated using music notation software. Handwritten scores will NOT be accepted.

  • If questions, please contact Christopher Goldston, NCTM, MTNA Composition Coordinator at: goldston@hotmail.com

  • To compete in the 2026-2027 MTNA Composition Competition, students must complete BOTH steps below. Paying only the California ADDED STATE FEE does not enter a student in the competition. 

    Step 1. Register and pay MTNA. Complete registration and pay the MTNA fee on the MTNA Competitions website.

    Step 2. Pay the $80 California ADDED STATE FEE . Once step 1 is complete, pay the California  ADDED STATE FEE  on this page. It is $80 for all levels (NON-REFUNDABLE).

  • California State Fee Submission Deadline: September 30, 2026

Chamber Music (3–6 performers)

  • Applications for Chamber Music String and Chamber Music Wind will open on November 1, 2026 via Acceptd.  
  • Age: Ensemble members must be 18–29 as of January 1, 2027.
  • Competitions: String and Wind
  • Entry Fee: $160 for each ensemble
    • Video Submission Fee: $25 paid directly to Acceptd

The National Finals of the MTNA Competitions are in April 2027 in St. Louis, Missouri



Stecher and Horowitz Two Piano Competition Info