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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.


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: TBA

    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 2026 MTNA National Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

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

  • California State Fee Submission Deadline: September 17, 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: 

    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

  • There is a CA Added State Fee of $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