MTNA's national competitions attract thousands of students each year. The path to national recognition starts here — at the New Mexico State Competitions administered by PMTNM.
The Music Teachers National Association Performance Competitions are the most recognized and respected student music competitions in the United States. Each year, students from across the country compete through a structured three-tier system.
Administered by PMTNM in New Mexico
The primary educational level. All eligible students begin here. State competitions are where teachers see their students perform under pressure and receive adjudication that informs future study.
Video Submission
State winners advance to MTNA's regional division competitions, evaluated by video. Division winners earn the right to compete nationally.
MTNA National Conference · April 2–6, 2027 · St. Louis, MO
Division winners compete live at the annual conference. National winners receive recognition, awards, and the distinction of being named among the finest young musicians in the country.
Important
Only students whose teachers are MTNA Active Members may enter MTNA Competitions. PMTNM membership (MTNA Active) is required to enter your students.
| Category | Levels |
|---|---|
| Piano | Junior · Senior · Young Artist |
| Piano Duet | Senior only |
| String | Junior · Senior · Young Artist |
| Woodwind | Junior · Senior · Young Artist |
| Brass | Senior · Young Artist (video + national live) |
| Voice | Senior · Young Artist (video + national live) |
| Chamber Music | String & Wind ensembles (video + national live) |
| Category | Levels |
|---|---|
| Composition | Elementary · Junior · Senior · Young Artist |
Composition winners have their works performed live at the MTNA National Conference.
Special Competition
MTNA–Stecher & Horowitz Two Piano Competition — premier partnership competition for two-piano teams.
PMTNM administers the New Mexico State Competitions each fall in conjunction with the Annual PMTNM State Conference. State Competition results determine which students advance to the MTNA Southwest Division level.
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Location: Crowne Plaza Albuquerque by IHG · 1901 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Held during the 75th Annual PMTNM State Conference (November 6–8, 2026). Sourced from the Albuquerque Music Teachers Association and PMTNM state calendar.
MTNA National Deadline (3:00 PM ET): Composition · Piano · Piano Duet · Strings · Woodwinds
Stecher & Horowitz Two Piano Competition Registration
Central District Honors Audition Date (Postmark deadline: Sept 9)
Chamber Music · Brass · Voice preliminary video submissions
Need the complete state schedule? View our 2026 New Mexico Music Competition Calendar Guide or contact the State Competition Coordinator.
Competitions are not about winning — or at least, not only about winning. MTNA's stated purpose is "to provide educational experiences for students and teachers and to recognize exceptionally talented young artists."
Students who compete consistently report:
The state level is designed to be accessible to serious students at every level, not just the most advanced. It is the right entry point for any student whose teacher believes they're ready.
Students must be actively studying with an MTNA Active Member teacher. Active membership in PMTNM fulfills this requirement. Non-member teachers may enter students by paying an additional non-member teacher fee. Students must also meet age and residency requirements specific to their competition category.
PMTNM and MTNA offer competitions in Solo Performance (Piano, Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, and Voice), Piano Duet, Chamber Music (String & Wind ensembles), and Composition across Elementary, Junior, Senior, and Young Artist age divisions.
The 2026 New Mexico State MTNA Competitions and PMTNM State Honors Competition will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque by IHG (1901 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102) in conjunction with the 75th Annual PMTNM State Conference.
The primary registration deadline for MTNA Performance (Piano, Strings, Woodwinds) and Composition is September 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. The Stecher & Horowitz Two Piano deadline is September 1, 2026. Preliminary video submissions for Brass, Voice, and Chamber Music close on November 1, 2026.
Students begin at the State Competitions administered in New Mexico by PMTNM. First-place state winners advance to the regional Southwest Division level, evaluated via high-quality video recordings. Division winners advance to compete live at the national finals during the annual MTNA National Conference in April.
Beyond awards and recognition, MTNA competitions instill disciplined preparation and deliberate practice routines, develop poise and stage presence under pressure, and provide rigorous, objective evaluations from distinguished master adjudicators.
Ready to enter your students? You must be an active PMTNM / MTNA member.
Talk to your child's teacher about whether they're eligible for this year's competitions. Only PMTNM / MTNA member teachers can enter students.
Find an MTNA Member Teacher →