MTNA Young Artist Performance Competitions (Brass and Voice) Opening Soon
Offered by Music Teachers National Association
About This Scholarship
The MTNA Young Artist Performance Competitions are the collegiate-and-beyond tier of the Music Teachers National Association's national competition ladder, open to musicians ages 19 to 29. The Brass and Voice divisions remain open for the 2026-27 cycle, with national cash awards of $3,000 for the winner, $1,500 for second place, and $750 for third in each category.
Both divisions are two-tiered: a preliminary round judged by video submission through Acceptd, then a live final round at the MTNA National Conference, April 2-6, 2027, in St. Louis, where seven finalists compete in each category. Registration opens November 1, 2026 and the video deadline is December 2, 2026.
For college music majors, graduate students, and young professionals in brass or voice, this is one of the few national competitions with a straightforward video entry and meaningful prize money. Entrants register through an MTNA-member teacher, and the entry fee is $160.
Eligibility
- Ages 19-29 on January 1, 2027
- Brass or voice performers; entry through the applicant's teacher
- $160 entry fee via Acceptd; nonmember teachers pay an additional fee
- Preliminary round by video; seven finalists per category compete live at the 2027 MTNA National Conference
How To Apply
- Register on the Acceptd platform beginning November 1, 2026
- Prepare the required repertoire per the MTNA Young Artist Brass/Voice guidelines
- Record and upload your preliminary-round video and pay the $160 fee
- Submit by December 2, 2026, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Finalists perform live in St. Louis, April 2-6, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the MTNA Young Artist competition pay?
In both the Brass and Voice categories, the national winner receives $3,000, second place $1,500, third place $750, and remaining finalists receive $100 merit awards.
Who is eligible for the Young Artist division?
Musicians who are 19 to 29 years old on January 1, 2027. Most entrants are undergraduate or graduate music students, but enrollment is not required.
Is the prize restricted to tuition?
No. These are cash awards paid to the winners, so they can support tuition, lessons, instruments, or living costs during music study.