MTA NSW 2025 Composer Competition Rules

Prize money, supported by the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW, its Patron, Dr Rita Crews OAM and Chairperson, Max Holzner, includes a total of $1450 to be distributed as follows:

Age category 1:   $300                    

Age category 2:   $450                    

Age category 3:   $700

 Competition Rules

• The competition is open to students of all teachers, regardless of whether they are members of the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW.
• Compositions that have previously won an award in any competition are not eligible for entry.
• The Music Teachers’ Association of NSW reserves the right to not award a prize if a suitable standard is not met, or to divide a prize equally among joint winners.
• The adjudicator's decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
• Prizes will be awarded at the 2025 Music Teacher Matters: Innovate, Lead, Inspire Conference on Sunday, October 12th. Winners are expected to attend the conference in person to receive their prize, if at all possible.
• The winning compositions will be showcased digitally at the conference.
• Composers may submit up to two entries, each with a different piece and instrument. Note that each piece requires a separate entry form and fee.

Age Categories                                           Time Limits

Category 1.      8 to 11                                2 minutes

Category 2.      12 to 15                             4 minutes

Category 3.      16 to 18                             5 minutes

Composition Categories Include

1. Solo piano
2. Solo organ
3. Solo voice with lyrics with or without keyboard accompaniment.

Note: Lyrics do not need to be authored by the entrant, but permission should be sought by the entrant to use any words still in copyright.

4. A choral work for SATB with lyrics with or without keyboard accompaniment

Note: Lyrics do not need to be authored by the entrant, but permission should be sought by the entrant to use any words still in copyright.

5. A solo wind, brass or string instrument with or without keyboard accompaniment
6. Any type of ensemble of not more than six instrument types of the composer's choice.
7. A solo percussion instrument or a percussion ensemble of not more than four instruments.

 Submission Format

• All submissions must include a written or printed score and be accompanied by a recording [which may be computer generated]. A programme note must also be provided.
• If the score uses non-standard notation, an explanation of such notation must be included before the first page of the score.
• If a vocal item uses a text in a non-English language, a translation of the text must be provided.
• Scores must be neat and legible with numbered bars and pages and submitted in PDF format.
• Entrants will receive a written report and a certificate.

Submission Application Forms

There are two options to access the competition entry form:

• PDF Download: A downloadable PDF version of the form is available.

http://mtansw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MTA-NSW-2025-Composer-Competition-Entry-Form-1.pdf

• Online Portal: The form can also be accessed and completed via our online portal. https://forms.gle/RGvCMuwpTgXPMymD7

All enquiries can be directed to info@mtansw.org,au

Entry deadline has been extended and will now close on September 8, 2025. Late entries will not be accepted.