SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
RULES & GUIDELINES
The Palm Beach County Music Teachers Association proudly presents its Annual Scholarship Competition. The PBCMTA Scholarship Fund is available each year to students of Piano, Voice, Classical Guitar, Winds, and Strings in the Elementary, Intermediate, and Senior divisions.
Students will be recognized for musical integrity, beauty of tone, confidence, preparation, and artistic performance.
Eligibility
Students must be studying with an active PBCMTA member teacher for at least six months.
Enrollment is limited to a maximum of 25 students.
Each teacher may enter a maximum of three students. An ensemble counts as one entry.
A First-Place winner may not compete again in the same division and performance category in future Scholarship Competitions. The student may enter the next higher division if the age requirements are met. The student may also enter a different performance category if all eligibility requirements are met. This rule applies without exception. Students will be judged within their division, regardless of performance category.
A student will not automatically receive a prize simply because they are the only contestant in a division.
Divisions and Time Limits
All participants, at all levels, must perform a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 selections in contrasting styles.
No specific piece or historical period is required.
Program length must not exceed the following limits:
Timing will be strictly enforced. Judges may stop students if the program exceeds the allowed time.
Repertoire and Performance Requirements
• All music must be performed from memory, with the exception of avant-garde twentieth-century music.
• Students may choose the order of their pieces when submitting the application. Pieces must be listed on the application in the exact order in which they will be performed. Changes to the performance order after the application deadline are not allowed.
• No repeats should be taken, with the exception of repeats that are fully written out with first and second endings.
• Concertos are not permitted, with the exception of winds and strings.
• Pieces must be listed on the application in the exact order in which they will be performed. Changes to the performance order after the application deadline are not allowed.
• Piano repertoire examples and suggestions are available on the PBCMTA website as a general guide.
Scores for Judges
• One published copy of the score for each piece must be available for the judges.
• Measures must be numbered.
• Photocopied scores will not be accepted without written permission from the composer or publisher.
• Online-purchased scores are acceptable only if proof of permission or purchase appears on the score.
• Failure to provide acceptable scores may result in the student’s disqualification from the competition.
Application
• Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Applications will be reviewed after the deadline. Acceptance depends on eligibility, complete information, program length, and the 25-student limit.
• A non-refundable application fee of $50 per student, plus PayPal fees, must accompany each application.
• The submitting teacher’s name and email will be required on the application form. All competition communication will be sent to the teacher.
• Teachers should either complete all forms themselves or carefully confirm that the student and family have completed them correctly.
• Performance times will be assigned after all applications have been reviewed and cannot be changed. The schedule will be emailed to each teacher.
Awards
• Scholarship awards are intended to recognize students’ achievements and support their continued musical growth.
• After the judges have completed their deliberations, all participants will receive their Certificates of Achievement during the awards announcement, and a group photo will be taken at that time.
• Scholarship winners will be notified after the results are finalized and will be invited to participate in the Honors Recital. First, Second, and Third Prize winners are required to perform at the annual Honors Recital, where they will receive a cash award and a certificate.
• First Place may not be awarded in every division. Judges will make this decision at their discretion.
Judges
• There will be three judges.
• Judges will be FSMTA members or qualified professionals from outside the association.
• Judges’ decisions are final.
Teacher Responsibilities
• Participating teachers may be asked to assist with competition-day duties if additional volunteers are needed.
• Teachers should carefully review the Scholarship Competition Guidelines & Rules and application requirements on the PBCMTA website.
• Teachers are responsible for ensuring that applications are complete and accurate.
• Teachers should confirm that each student meets all eligibility requirements, including age, previous award history, and at least six months of study with the submitting PBCMTA teacher.
• Teachers are responsible for selecting appropriate repertoire for each student’s division and performance level.
• Teachers should remind students to bring one acceptable copy of the score for each piece, with measures numbered.
• Teachers may contact the Scholarship Chair with questions.
• Students and parents should communicate questions or concerns through their teachers.
Parent and Student Guidelines
• Only students may enter the warm-up/waiting room before their performance. Students may briefly warm up or try the piano during this time. Teachers and family members may wait in the lobby or listen in the performance hall.
• Everyone must remain quiet in the performance area. Out of respect for the performers, please enter or exit the performance hall only between performances.
• Please refrain from taking photos or videos during performances.
• All teachers, students, and parents are expected to demonstrate respect, courtesy, and a positive attitude throughout the event.
• Questions or concerns should be communicated through the student’s teacher.
Scholarship Competition Chairs
Nana Morimoto
Dr. Estibaliz Gastesi Latorre
Thank you for your cooperation and for supporting the musical growth of our students.
