2026 SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES

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The Palm Beach County Music Teachers Association proudly presents its 39th Annual Scholarship Competition. The PBCMTA Scholarship fund is available each year to Piano, Voice, Classical Guitar, Wind, and String students in Elementary, Intermediate, and Senior categories. Winners will be recognized for integrity, beauty, and confidence in performance.

 

ELIGIBILITY - GUIDELINES

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• Students must be studying with an active PBCMTA member/teacher for a minimum of 6 months.

• All music must be performed from memory, with the exception of avant-garde 20th-century music.

• Time limitations will be strictly enforced.

• One copy of the score of each composition, with measures numbered, must be available for the judges. Photocopy scores will not be acceptable and will eliminate the student from the competition. Online-purchased copies with permission at the bottom are acceptable.

• Based on the judges’ criteria, single-entry contestants in any category will not automatically receive a prize.

• Judges' decisions are final.

• Students must perform the exact repertoire submitted at registration; no changes are allowed after the deadline.

• All teachers, students, and parents must demonstrate respect and maintain a positive attitude during the event.

• Repertoire examples can be found on our website, PBCMTA.org.

• Awards are to be used to further a student's musical education.

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APPLICATION

 

• Application forms may be obtained from the PBCMTA website (pbcmta.org).

• The application postmark deadline is Wednesday, April 1st, 2026. ​

• A non-refundable application fee of $30 per student must be included with each application.

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AWARDS

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• 1st – 3rd Prize: Cash award + Certificate

• Note: 1st – 3rd Prize winners are required to perform at the Honors Recital.

• All other participants: Participation Certificate

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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• ALL participants at ALL levels will perform a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 selections of contrasting styles.

• There will be NO "required" piece or "required" historical period.

• Length of program:

• Elementary Level (ages 9–11): maximum 10 minutes

• Intermediate Level (ages 12–14): maximum 12 minutes

• Senior Level (ages 15–18): maximum 15–20 minutes

 

JUDGES

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• There will be three judges, who are either FSMTA members or qualified professionals from outside the association.

• Judges will use their discretion as to whether a first-place prize will be awarded in each category..

 

TEACHER INSTRUCTIONS AND CHECKLIST

 

• Please read the PBCMTA Website - PBCMTA.org under Scholarship Competition carefully for requirements and repertoire suggestions.

• Students may perform pieces in any order they wish, but please list the pieces on the application in the order they will perform them.

• Double-bar repeats should generally not be taken.

• One copy of each piece, with measures numbered, must be brought to the competition. Photocopies will not be accepted without written permission from the publisher/composer.

• Audition times will be assigned by level, age, and instrument. Therefore, these times cannot be changed.

• Audition times will be emailed to each teacher.

• Students may briefly try the piano before they begin their program, and it is suggested that teachers prepare their students for this tryout.

• Teachers should either fill out all forms, including the Application Form, or confirm that the student has completed the forms correctly.

• The teacher's name must appear on the application form.

• Teachers may contact the Scholarship Chair (Nana Morimoto: nanamorimoto7@gmail.com) with questions. Students and parents should communicate through teachers.

• ​All participating teachers must volunteer during the competition.

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      CHAIRPERSON NOTE

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• The outgoing Chairperson must promptly transfer all event-related paperwork to the incoming Chairperson.

 

      PARENT / STUDENT NOTES

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• Only students may enter the warm-up room; parents and teachers are not allowed.

• Remain quiet in the performance area to avoid disturbing other participants.

• Please refrain from taking photos during performances.

• Questions or concerns should be communicated through teachers.

• Winners will receive instructions for preparing and performing at the Honors Recital.

 

Thank you for your cooperation.

Nana Morimoto

Scholarship Chair

lessons@nanamorimoto.com