Strings

The MMTA Strings Program gives students an opportunity to learn to play artistically and perform in contests and complete exams on instruments which have been cornerstones in the world of concert music.

Outstanding professionals in these areas continually work to revise and update syllabi and additional materials, thus providing teachers and students with means for a comprehensive musical education.

Upcoming Events Find Teachers

Thinking about registering students for an event?

Review the General Rules and Procedures for All MMTA Programs prior to registration.
Visit the Events page to find the desired event.
Current MMTA members may log in, then register students online. Non-members may download registration forms using the link(s) provided on String Event pages, then submit by mail with a non-member fee.

MTNA Competitions

MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) offers two competitions annually: one for Performance, the other for Composition. Visit the MTNA Competitions page for details, dates, pricing, and more.

Parent and Student Resources

MMTA's national affiliate MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) offers resources for parents and students to assist the prior to and during musical study. Resources include: Choosing a Music Teacher, Websites for Kids, and more!

Many additional resources are available online, including resources for students with special needs.

Contest, Exam, & Festival Information

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Strings Contest

Elementary-College

The MMTA String Contest, which is primarily for Violin, gives students a chance to perfect a piece of repertoire and hone their performance skills. Winning students take part in a Performance Festival immediately following the Final Contest.

There is no repertoire list for this contest.

Challenge Award:

Contest = 100 Points
Performance Festival Solo = 100 Points

Materials

Strings Solo Festival

The MMTA String Solo Festival, which is primarily for Violin, gives students a chance to perfect a piece of repertoire and hone their performance skills in a non-competitive setting. Students take part in a Performance Festival immediately following the Solo Festival.

There are no age or theory requirements for this event.

There is no repertoire list for this event.

Challenge Award:

Solo Festival = 100 points

Materials

Strings Young Artist Contest

Junior, Senior, College

The Strings Young Artist Contest gives students with exceptional musical ability to showcase their talents in a competitive setting. Winners participate in a Performance Festival immediately following the contest, and/or in a Winners Recital held the day before the annual MMTA Convention in June.

There is no repertoire list for this contest.

Challenge Award: 200 Points

Materials

Violin Exams

Level 1-8

Violin Exams provide students with the opportunity to learn repertoire and practice technique from beginning to advanced over 8 levels.

Challenge Award: 300 Points

Materials

Violin Exam Syllabus

Award Ribbons

Viola Exams

Levels 1-6

Viola Exams provide students with the opportunity to learn repertoire and practice technique from beginning to advanced over 6 levels.

Materials

Viola Syllabus

Piano Theory Exams

Levels 1-8

MMTA’s music theory exams evaluate analytical, written, aural, and functional keyboard skills, including the ability to transpose, harmonize, and sight-read. In Levels 1-6 students are tested on their knowledge of scales, rhythmic patterns, sight-reading, transposition, and accompaniment. See the 2015 MMTA Theory Syllabus for details.

Students use workbooks and digital MP3 files to assist them in preparing for exams.

Challenge Award: 100 Points