CAPMT State Finals
The California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT) State Finals represent the zenith of young musical talent in California, bringing together the state’s most promising performers in a celebration of artistry and dedication. The State Finals serve as the culmination of a rigorous statewide competition process, highlighting CAPMT’s commitment to nurturing future musicians since its founding. The pathway to the State Finals begins at the district level, where aspiring artists compete in three distinct competition divisions: the Honors Competition, the Contemporary Competition, and the Concerto Competition. First-place winners from each of California’s districts—spanning regions from San Diego to Sacramento—advance to the Finals. This structure ensures broad representation, with districts hosting preliminary rounds in December, leading to the state event in March. At the State Finals, participants perform before a panel of distinguished judges, often comprising renowned pedagogues, performers, and academics. A single winner is selected per age category. Category winners from each division will be invited to perform at the CAPMT Conference set in October 2026. The 2026 State Finals will be held on March 14, 2026 at San Diego State University School of Music and Dance. |
CAPMT State Finals Guidelines:
- TEACHERS: You may NOT register for your students due to liability reasons.
- CAPMT membership must be current at the time of application. Non-CAPMT members are assessed an additional $40 non-member fee.
- Failure to abide by the Guidelines will result in disqualification of the applicant.
- Late applications forms will not be accepted.
- Communication regarding any CAPMT Student Program must be between the teacher and the student program chair for that chapter/district. It is inappropriate for a student or parent to contact any CAPMT Board Member.
- Decisions of the adjudicators are final.
- The student must have studied with the teacher a minimum of six of the past nine months.
- Accompanists are required for Concerto Competition finalists.
- There are no refunds of application fees in the event of non-participation.
Repertoire Requirements:
- Repertoire listed on the application form in the District and Regional levels will be used in the State Finals level. No repertoire changes are permitted.
- Students must provide the original music scores to the judges with measure numbers at the beginning of each system.
- Photocopied music will result in automatic disqualification. Accompanists may use a few photocopied pages along with the original score only to facilitate page turning. Scores on digital devices are allowed as long as students abide by all copyright laws and have permission to use all music given to judges during the competitions.
- Singers must include one selection in English and one in a language other than English.
- Teachers may accompany their students.
- Performers will be stopped if the maximum allotted time is reached; this will not affect the outcome of the competition.
- Entrants will abide by all U.S. Copyright Laws and, when applicable, have permission to use all music given to judges and accompanists during all phases of the auditions/evaluations/competitions.
- Entrants forfeit consideration for any placement (winner/honorable mention) but may play for comments only if: 1) All music listed on the application is NOT presented for examination at registration; 2) Entrant is not prepared to perform all music listed on the application.
Time Limits:
- Category A: age 9 and under (10 minutes)
- Category B: age 10 - 12 (10 minutes)
- Category C: age 13 - 15 (12 minutes)
- Category D: age 16 - 18 (15 minutes)
- Category E: age 19 - 26 (15 minutes)
The age determination date is December 31, 2025.
Application Fees:
- $75.00 for all categories. Application fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.
- $40 surcharge for students of Non-CAPMT members.
- Application fees will only be accepted ONLINE via credit card payment.
- No applications will be accepted past the deadline.