MMTA Student Composition Contest
Purpose
To encourage students to learn about the art of music composition and creatively apply the principles learned in music study.
Challenge Awards
Students who enter a piece in the composition contest/festival earn 100 challenge award points.
Location and Deadlines
● Deadline March 1, 2026
● Winners Recital: TBD (Exact date and time will be provided to winning students following the completion of judging.)
Event Registration and Results
● Register online at www.mnmusicteachers.com and upload composition (and optional digital recording or video), or
send registration form, composition(s), and appropriate fee to the MMTA Office (and optional recording on a CD).
● CDs will not be returned.
● Teachers should expect to receive mailed results 6-8 weeks after the submission deadline.
Fees
● Primary $27
● Elementary $30
● Junior $35
● Senior $40
Procedures and Rules
Failure to comply with these rules can result in student disqualification.
There is no theory requirement for this contest.
See General Rules and Procedures for all MMTA programs.
Students must register for the appropriate category. Categories are as follows:
a. Primary: Grades 3 and under
b. Elementary: Grades 4-6
c. Junior High: Grades 7-9
d. Senior High: Grades 10-12
Only one entry per student.
The entrant certifies that the composition is an original work, and that the score was produced by the entrant.
Compositions submitted in previous years may not be re-entered.
Compositions may be written for more than one medium, but for no more than 10 performers.
Multi-movement works are allowable.
Submissions must be less than 10 minutes in length.
The score must follow these presentation requirements:
a. The score must be computer generated using music notation software.
b. Cover art should not be included.
c. Measures of the composition must be numbered at the beginning of each system on the left-hand side of the page.
d. All materials must be labeled with the name of the composition and level (Primary, Elementary, Junior High, or Senior High).
e. The score must not include the name, photo, or biography of the student, or the name of the student’s teacher.
No change may be made to the composition once it has been submitted.
If submitting by mail, compositions of one page or those that have multiple pages that are not bound should be placed in a mailing envelope. A file folder may be used. Write the level and title of the piece on the outside of this envelope or folder. Do not submit loose pages.
If submitting electronically, the score must be in PDF format.
