Date: November 7th, 2026
Registration Deadline for Performance Competitions (excluding Brass and Voice) and Composition Competitions: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 3pm Eastern Time *There will be no exceptions.
Address: Crowne Plaza Albuquerque by IHG | 1901 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
State Chair: Tatyana Bayliyeva abqinstituteofmusic@gmail.com
Website: mtna.org
MTNA Competitions
The MTNA National 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 Music Teachers National Association 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.
New Mexico’s MTNA performance competitions are held in person at the state conference in November of each year. Awards are generously supported by the Joyce Walker Foundation.
For information about MTNA competitions in New Mexico, please contact the state competition chairs through the Members Area.
Please visit www.mtna.org to view the complete rules and to apply for MTNA competitions.
2026-2027 Registration Timeline
| Early August OPENS | Composition, Piano, Piano Duet, Strings and Woodwinds (all levels) |
| September 1 OPENS | Stecher & Horowitz Two Piano Competition |
| September 9 DEADLINE: 3:00 P.M. ET | Performance Competitions (excl. Brass and Voice) and Composition Competitions No exceptions. |
| November 1 OPENS | Chamber Music, Brass and Voice Competitions |
Competition Categories:
- Junior, Senior, and Young Artist Performance: Three-tiered competitions starting at state level, advancing to video-only division competition, and culminating in national finals. Categories include Brass (Senior and Young Artist), Piano, Piano Duet (Senior), String, Voice (Senior and Young Artist), and Woodwind.
- Composition: Three-tiered competitions for Elementary, Junior, Senior and Young Artist levels, with state, division, and national finals. Winners’ compositions are performed at the MTNA National Conference.
- Chamber Music: Preliminary video submission and live finals at the MTNA National Conference. Seven ensembles selected nationwide in both String and Wind categories. Registration opens November 1.
- Brass and Voice (Senior and Young Artist only) Performance: Preliminary Round by video submission; Final Round live at the MTNA National Conference. Seven finalists selected from a nationwide pool. Competitors compete without regard to state or division. Registration opens November 1 to Senior and Young Artist levels.
Awards:
New Mexico’s competitions are generously supported by the Joyce Walker Foundation.
How to Register:
Please visit www.mtna.org to view the complete rules and to apply for MTNA
competitions. For questions specific to New Mexico, contact MTNA State Chair
Tatyana Bayliyeva at abqinstituteofmusic@gmail.com.