MSMTA Music Festival Guidelines for Teachers

  • Description: This event is a non-competitive opportunity for honors students to perform for an audience and receive an evaluation by a judge.
  • Fee:   $18 per student, non-refundable
    • Only teachers may submit fees in one payment only to our MSMTA PayPal account, (Account email ID: [email protected]) by the deadline date.
    • Deadline: Teachers must submit student entries online by the deadline date which is 1 month before the event.​
Guidelines:
  • A judge rates each performance on Correct Notes, Tempo, Rhythm, Technique, Pedaling, Dynamics, Memorization, Balance, Interpretation, and Stage Presence. 
  • Ratings – Superior, Excellent, Good, and Fair (needs improvement)
  • There is no limit to the number of entries per teacher.
  • Students may play one piece of standard literature from any music period, except for popular music.
  • All pieces must be well prepared. Memory is required.
  • All participants are awarded a trophy.
  • The maximum performance time for each student is 4 minutes. No exceptions.
  • The piece must be played in its entirety. Sections of longer pieces may not be cut to meet the time limit.
  • Please eliminate repeats unless the total time of the piece is less than 2 minutes including repeats.
  • Pieces must be at least 8 non-repeating measures long, using both hands.
  • Each student must have their own music. Sheet music or books may NOT be shared between students.
  • Original music must be provided for the judges. All measures must be numbered.  No illegal photocopies allowed. Purchased digital copies are allowed when accompanied by the Digital Purchase Verification Form.
  • The student’s name must be written on the front cover of the book, at the top. Teacher’s names cannot be on music.
  • Students and guests are to follow the MSMTA Performance Etiquette Guidelines provided by their teacher.  This includes the Dress Code Requirement of concert attire:  dresses, skirts, or dress pants for girls; dress pants and button-down shirt for boys.  NO jeans or shorts.
  • Teachers and are to dress appropriately in business attire.  No jeans, shorts, or tennis shoes.
  • Students will be grouped into 4 recitals beginning at 1:00, 2:15, 3:30, and 4:45.
  • Students have a 1st and 2nd choice of recital times.
  • Once scheduling is finalized, no changes can be made.
  • Students who arrive late will not be permitted to play.
  • Students who arrive with no music may play at the discretion of the judge but will not receive an evaluation or trophy.
  • Students and all other attendees are expected to stay for the entire recital.
  • All guests are welcome.  Parking is free and there is no admission charge.