Have a musical idea? Bring it to life in the 2027 MTA NSW Composer Competitions!
We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting two distinct creative competitions in 2027 to celebrate musical talent and innovation across the state, ensuring representation and opportunity for schools, studios, and communities within both metropolitan and rural NSW.
- Regional/rural: Students residing outside these three cities.
- Metropolitan: Students residing in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.
Applications open: 12 October 2026
Entries close: 30 April 2027
2027 Competition Categories and Prizes
Prize money, supported by the Patron and Chairperson of the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW (MTA NSW), totals a pool of $600 per competition and is distributed across three age categories:
Each category specifies both the composer’s age and the intended performer level: the piece must be suitable for someone playing or singing at the listed level, regardless of the composer’s own performance ability.
Age category 1:
- 8 to 11yo
- Composition Level: Beginner
- 2-min time limit
- $100 cash prize
Age category 2:
- 12 to 15yo
- Composition Level: Intermediate
- 4-min time limit
- $200 cash prize
Age category 3:
- 16-18yo
- Composition Level: Advanced to Diploma
- 5-min time limit
- $300 cash prize
Competition Rules
- Competition is open to students of all teachers, regardless of membership with the MTA NSW
- There are two competition sections divided into two distinct sections
- Metropolitan: Students residing within Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong
- Regional/Rural: Students residing outside the major cities listed above
- Compositions that have previously won an award in any other competition are ineligible.
- Composers may submit up to two entries, each with a different piece and instrument. A separate entry fee of $45.00 is required for each submitted piece.
- Entries close on April 30, 2027. Late entries will not be accepted.
- The adjudicator's decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
- The MTA 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.
- Prizes will be awarded at the 2027 Music Teacher Matters: Setting Up Students for Success Conference on Monday, 5th July 2027. 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.
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 four instruments 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 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.
Use this link to access the application form https://tally.so/r/dWRb0d
About the Adjudicators
Dr Diana Blom will adjudicate the metropolitan submissions
Dr Diana Blom is a composer, keyboard player, writer and Adjunct Fellow Associate Professor of Music at Western Sydney University. Composition studies have been with Peter Sculthorpe and Ian Farr. She has co-curated several composition/performance/CD projects of new works and is co-author of Music Composition Toolbox, published by Science Press. Scores and CDs are published through Wirripang Pty. Ltd., Orpheus Music and Wai-te-Ata. See: www.dianablom.com
Dr Brett McKern will adjudicate the regional submissions
Dr Brett McKern is an organist, composer, choir director, lecturer, music teacher, and consultant on music and music education. An award-winning composer, Brett’s compositions have been performed in at least eight countries and been published in Australia and abroad. He has also composed pedagogical material (such as the latest AMEB piano sight-reading book). Brett holds degrees in music, education, theology, and two doctorates in musical composition. He is Chief Examiner (Theory) for the AMEB. A number of his former students are now professional musicians. See: www.brettmckern.com
All enquiries can be directed to info@mtansw.org,au