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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.


2025-2026  MTNA National Performance Competitions Information

  • Application deadline: TBA

  • Junior, Senior, and Young Artist Levels

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

    Date: October 18-19, 2025 (Sat & Sun: 8 AM to 6 PM)

    Location: San Jose State University (SJSU School of Music and Dance)

  • 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: TBA

  • Winners at the Southwest Division Level will move on to the MTNA National Competitions Performance Finals, which will take place at the 2026 MTNA National Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

  • The California  ADDED STATE FEE  is $80 for all levels (NON-REFUNDABLE).

  • California State Fee Submission Deadline: TBA

Pay CA State Fee


2025-2026 MTNA National Composition Competitions Information

  • Application deadline: TBA

  • Elementary, Junior, Senior and Young Artist levels

  • In addition to PDF scores, YOUTUBE links will be required.  See MTNA Guidelines: https://www.mtna.org/MTNA/engage/competitions/Composition_Guidelines.aspx

  • 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

  • There is a CA Added State Fee of $80  for all levels (NON-REFUNDABLE).

  • California State Fee Submission Deadline: TBA

Chamber Music (3–6 performers)

  • Applications for Chamber Music String and Chamber Music Wind will be available TBA. See mtna.org website.
  • Deadline for Chamber Music application and video submissions  TBA. There will be no exceptions.
  • Age: Ensemble members must be 18–29 as of January 1, 2025.
  • Competitions: String and Wind
  • Entry Fee: $120 for each ensemble
    • Video Submission Fee: $25 paid directly to Acceptd

The National Finals of the MTNA Competitions are in March 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.



Stecher and Horowitz Two Piano Competition Info