MTNA 2027 Chamber Music Competition: US-Eligible Trios to Sextets, $3,000 First Prize, Apply Dec 2
The Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) has published its 2026–27 Chamber Music Performance Competitions, with registration opening November 1, 2026. String- and wind-majority ensembles of three to six musicians may enter a video preliminary round. The deadline for the application, video and payment is December 2, 2026 at 3 p.m. US Eastern Time, with no exceptions announced. Finalists compete live at the MTNA National Conference in St. Louis on April 2–6, 2027. This chamber-music contest is separate from MTNA's previously announced solo Young Artist brass and voice categories.
Group size, repertoire and qualifying ages
Every named ensemble member must be between 18 and 29 years old on January 1, 2027. A trio, quartet, quintet or sextet may combine violin, viola, cello, string bass, woodwinds, brass, piano and, in limited combinations, up to two singers. MTNA classifies piano as a string instrument for determining whether the majority of the ensemble belongs to the String or Wind category. Ensembles consisting only of pianists or only of vocalists are ineligible; a conductor is not used. The competition encourages balanced parts rather than a solo concerto with a reduced orchestral accompaniment.
The United States eligibility restriction
Although the competition is advertised through a national professional association, its general eligibility conditions concern United States residence and qualifying citizenship or immigration status, not indiscriminate entry from any country. Groups with internationally based players should read the overarching 2026–27 competition guidelines before paying. The name and details of the ensemble and its players cannot be changed after submission, and all members must be available for the in-person national finals if selected.
Fees and prize conditions
The registration charge is US$160 per ensemble, including a $25 Acceptd platform component. The teacher or coach must have current MTNA membership; otherwise the notice lists a separate $200 nonmember teacher fee. Both String and Wind categories offer $3,000 for first, $2,000 for second and $1,000 for third place. A special Oscar Raoul Iotti Award of $2,000 recognizes an outstanding all-string ensemble. To receive a monetary award, national competition winners must also perform at the following day's Winners Concert. Entry fees are nonrefundable.
Recording and performance preparations
The preliminary entry includes a group photo, a group biography of no more than 75 words and all required video materials. Repertoire should be chosen and documented with care: no post-submission changes are allowed, and the same program is used for both preliminary and national stages. Individual movements may be eligible, but cuts in the score are not permitted. Voice-inclusive groups must choose from the organizer's specific approved works list. Applicants should budget for accompanists or additional instruments, travel and accommodation in St. Louis without treating the $160 entry fee as an all-inclusive festival package.
About the organizer
MTNA is a longstanding US professional association supporting music teaching, student achievement, conferences and national competitions. The association's official Chamber Music page provides the two-stage format, the categories, awards and coordinator contact, while separate general guidelines govern citizenship and professional eligibility. Check both documents to confirm the ensemble is qualified before registration opens on November 1.
Registration opens November 1, 2026. Video/entry deadline December 2 at 3 p.m. US Eastern. $160 per group plus applicable teacher membership costs.
Official organizer and application
Official information checked October 24, 2026. Applicants must reconfirm the latest rules, conditions, deadline time zone, and payment terms before submitting.