GENERAL REGULATIONS

(for all VMTA events)

1. Teachers entering students in a VMTA/MTNA event must have had dues processed by MTNA according to the AUGUST 31 POSTMARK DEADLINE.
2. The PRESENTING TEACHER must have paid dues in the state in which the STUDENT is entering an event.
3. A student may not enter an event in more than one state. To determine appropriate state of entry, see individual event requirements in the AMERICAN MUSIC TEACHER MAGAZINE.
4. The student must have studied with the presenting teacher at least six of the nine months prior to the event, and must be studying with the presenting teacher at the time of the event. (An exception: The six month requirement is waived for the State Music Festivals).
5. Repertoire and memory requirements for MTNA competitions are as outlined in the AMT April/May issue.
6. The student must provide one copy of the music to be performed for the judges (and another copy for the accompanist, if needed). The judge's copy must have measures numbered and must not bear the student's or teacher's name.
7. All entrants and accompanists must abide by the federal copyright laws. Photo copies are strongly discouraged. Alll scores must be subitted to competition officials prior to the entrants performance.
8. Transcriptions, simplified arrangements, and adaptations of POPULAR MUSIC WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AS REPERTORY. (Concert transcriptions and transcriptions for instruments with limited solo literature may be used upon approval of the chairman of the event).
9. ALL MUSIC MUST BE PERFORMED FROM MEMORY. There are two exceptions where printed scores may be used, but only for the Fall Festival: 1) for the categories of organ and piano duet, and 2) for an avant-garde piece performed by a student in Level III or IV, with permission obtained from the local Fall Festival chairman before the registration deadline.
10. STUDENT CLASSIFICATION is based on the grade in school, as follow:
          Level I-A Kindergarten through Grade Four
          Level I-B Grades Five and Six
          Level II Grades Seven, Eight and Nine
          Level III Grades Ten, Eleven and Twelve
          Level IV Adults
11. When numerical grades are used in ratings, categories shall be as follows:
          Superior 95 - 100Excellent 88 - 94
          Very Good 81 - 87Good 75 - 80
          Pass 70 - 74Fail Below 70
12. Students who are past winners of state auditions may repeat the level in performance, provided they conform with grade level and have passed required theory and sight-reading levels. Students who are past winners of the state Concerto Competition may repeat the level in performance, provided they conform with the grade level and different repertoire is performed.
13. APPLICATION FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. All application fees being submitted for an event must be included in one check written by the teacher. No checks written by parents or students on their personal accounts will be accepted.
14. DEADLINE means “POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN" THE DATE STATED.
15. In VMTA competitions, the MTNA balloting procedure is the recommended method of determining prizewinners.

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VMTA FALL FESTIVALS

STATE CHAIRMAN: DEBBIE SACRA, Coordinator, PO Box 7140G, Richmond, VA 23253, Babohum@aol.com

DATE AND LOCATION: Contact your LOCAL CHAIRMAN-see list on page 2 of the Yearbook.

ELIGIBILITY: Teachers may enter as many students as desired, and students may enter more than one category. Open to all levels and adults at any proficiency level.

PERFORMING MEDIA: Piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, accordion, classical guitar, organ, and piano duet.

THEORY REQUIREMENTS: No test required.

REPERTORY REQUIREMENTS: TWO COMPOSITIONS-One must be TRADITIONAL repertoire, and one must represent the CONTEMPORARY IDIOM. Combined maximum playing time for Levels I and II-Five minutes or less. Level III, IV-Ten minutes or less.

ALL MUSIC MUST BE PERFORMED FROM MEMORY, with the exception of:

a. Levels III and IV who play an avant-garde piece. Prior approval must be secured from the Local Chairman.

b. In the categories of organ, and piano duets.

A COPY OF THE MUSIC MUST BE PROVIDED FOR THE JUDGES BY THE STUDENT. NO PHOTOCOPIES: the only exception to this rule is out of print music or an unpublished manuscript for which the Chairman must give prior permission.

ACCOMPANISTS: Provided by the student.

APPLICATION FORMS: In the Yearbook and from local associations.

ENTRANCE FEES: STATE FEE $7.00 each performer/first category; $3.00 each additional category Chapters have the option of charging more and keeping the additional fee in their local treasury.

DEADLINE: In “NEWSNOTES" or check with your local Chairman.

AWARDS: Certificate of Participation, Word Rating (Rating sheets will be returned to the teacher).

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VMTA STATE AUDITIONS

STATE CHAIRMAN: Paul Rumrill, 3286 Hooper Road, Forest, VA 24551, 434-385-5887, prumrill@liberty.edu

DATE AND LOCATION: VMTA Fall State Conference. See Calendar or consult the website or the LOCAL Chairman. They are held the Saturday of the Fall conference.

ELIGIBILITY: First Place Winners and Alternates of each District Audition whose teachers send in the appropriate Application by the due date of October 1. (Must be postmarked by October 1.) The application is on the VMTA website and in the VMTA Yearbook. Late entries WILL NOT be accepted.

PERFORMING MEDIA: Piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, percussion, accordion, classical guitar, brass, and organ (Level III only).

THEORY AND SIGHT READING REQUIREMENTS: Student must have passed appropriate level as a prerequisite for District Auditions.

REPERTOIRE: See District Auditions for requirements as noted in the Application Form. Four weeks prior to VMTA Fall Conference, send repertoire list, exact playing times of each piece and indicate which period each piece represents.

ACCOMPANISTS: Provided by the student.

APPLICATION FORMS: VMTA STATE AUDITIONS APPLICATION FORMS are found both in the State Yearbook and on the website. Teachers (not students) of District Audition winners and alternates must submit the forms to the VMTA State Auditions Chairman by October 1st in order for the winning students to compete at the State Fall Conference. Photocopy forms as needed. No applications will be accepted via e-mail. District Auditions Chairmen will forward a list of winners and their Teachers to the District Auditions State Chairman. This information will then be sent to the State Auditions Chairman to verify eligibility of entries.

ENTRANCE FEE: NONE

DEADLINE: October 1 See Calendar (back cover) or consult the website or the LOCAL Chairman.

AWARDS: First Place $75.00 each category Second Place $50.00 each category

TIME LIMITATIONS: The following time restrictions apply: Level IA -5 minutes; Level IB-10 minutes; Level II-15 minutes; Level III-20 minutes.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS: The winner in each category will perform in the Winners Recital at the State Conference. If time permits, second place winners will participate in the Master Class. By May, teachers and students know that they will be entering the State Auditions at the Annual Conference in the Fall of the same year, approximately six months before that event. It is the responsibility of the Teacher to inform the Chairman of their students' participation by mailing the Application Form by October 1st-NOT the Chairman's job to track down who will be competing at the conference.

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VMTA THEORY TESTS

STATE CHAIRMAN: VIRGINIA MOORE, NCTM, 1487 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 105, McLean, VA 22101, 703-356-5798, moorepianomusic@gmail.com

Consult your LOCAL THEORY CHAIRMAN

GUIDELINES

1. The tests ARE NOT based on school grade, but on musical level.
2. Tests will be rotated on a five year basis with a yearly change in examples, but not in questions.
3. Each LOCAL Association is to appoint a THEORY CHAIRMAN. This person will be responsible for arranging a date and place for the test, answering inquiries, providing forms, and encouraging participation. The Chairman will be provided with a CD for Aural Testing, a set of tests, and a set of answer keys. He/She is responsible for making copies as needed. Teachers can purchase practice tests, keys and CDs from their LOCAL theory chairman, or download the printed materials from the VMTA website.
4. Tests will be given from January 15 through March 15 WITH AT LEAST TWO WEEKS BETWEEN THEORY AND DISTRICT AUDITIONS.
5. Students may take two levels per year and may skip levels if the teacher feels a student is able. A student may begin at any level the teacher chooses.
6. It is presumed that the knowledge required for these tests is cumulative, and the tests may include questions based on materials required for previous years.
7. Those students wishing to compete in DISTRICT AUDITIONS must pass the designated theory level required for his/her level of competition. FAILURE OF THE TEST DISQUALIFIES THE STUDENT FOR THAT YEAR.
8. The STATE THEORY CHAIRMAN will make sure students have taken and passed the appropriate level of Theory.
9. These tests are UNTIMED and should be administered at one central location. Grading is as follows:

        SUPERIOR 95 - 100 Seal and blue ribbon
        EXCELLENT 88 - 94 Seal and red ribbon
        VERY GOOD 81 - 87 Seal and green ribbon
        GOOD 75 - 80 Seal
        PASS 70 - 74 No Seal
        FAIL Below 70 No certificate

ELIGIBILITY: Open to ALL LEVELS. Assistance will be given to students with physical handicaps or learning disabilities.

PERFORMING MEDIA: Piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, percussion, accordion, classical guitar, brass, and organ (Level III only).

THEORY REQUIREMENTS: MUST PASS THE APPROPRIATE THEORY

LEVEL IN ORDER TO ENTER DISTRICT AUDITIONS. An oral test may be given to first grade students, if requested. All other grades will take a written test. At each level of the test, it is presumed the student has a working knowledge of the material in preceding levels. A SYLLABUS, SAMPLE TESTS, AND AURAL TAPE IS AVAILABLE FOR $14.00. Contact your LOCAL ASSOCIATION Theory Chairman.

THEORY TEST/APPLICATION FORMS: Application forms are printed in local yearbooks or may be obtained from your LOCAL Theory Chairman. ENTRANCE FEE: STATE FEE $6.00 for one test. LOCAL FEE $1.00 for one test. EACH ADDITIONAL LEVEL $2.00 to the STATE. Chapters have the option of adding another $1.00 for each additional level taken.

DEADLINE: Set by each LOCAL CHAIRMAN

THEORY TESTS/AWARDS: see item #9.

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VMTA SIGHT READING

STATE CHAIRMAN: FAY BARSS, 2022 Milbank Road, Richmond, VA 23229, 804-282-7725, Faysmusic@comcast.net

GUIDELINES

Those students wishing to compete in DISTRICT AUDITIONS must pass the designated Sight Reading level required for his/her level of competition. Students do not have to pass subsequent sight reading tests if they have passed the designated sight reading test for their level of competition. SCORING: The student will receive a score sheet showing his/her strengths and weaknesses, and a certificate with appropriate ribbons. Categories shall be as follows:

     SUPERIOR 95 - 100 Seal and blue ribbon
     EXCELLENT 88 - 94 Seal and red ribbon
     VERY GOOD 81 - 87 Seal and green ribbon
     GOOD 75 - 80 Certificate
     PASS 70 - 74 Certificate

A SYLLABUS (revised 1993) IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER CHAIRMAN. COST IS $10.00-PAYABLE TO VMTA. SIGHT-READING IS REQUIRED FOR STUDENTS WISHING TO PARTICIPATE IN DISTRICT AUDITIONS. The student need not continue to pass the next level of Sight-reading in order to compete. IF THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL FOR THEIR GRADE AND CLASSIFICATION HAS BEEN PASSED.

DATE AND LOCATION: Contact LOCAL CHAPTER CHAIRMAN

ELIGIBILITY: Open to ALL STUDENTS

PERFORMING MEDIA: Piano, Vocal and Instrumental

SIGHT-READING REQUIREMENTS: MUST PASS SIGHT-READING IN

ORDER IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN DISTRICT AUDITIONS, HOWEVER, students do not have to pass subsequent S.R. test IF they have passed the designated level for their classification.

APPLICATION FORMS: In the Syllabus or from LOCAL CHAPTER CHAIRMAN.

ENTRANCE FEE: STATE FEE -6.00 for one test.; LOCAL FEE-$1.00 for one test. EACH ADDITIONAL LEVEL-$2.00 to the state. Chapters have the option of charging an additional fee for each test to go to their Local Treasury.

DEADLINE: SET BY LOCAL CHAPTER CHAIRMAN.

AWARDS: Certificate of Participation with appropriate seal and/or ribbon attached.

TEACHERS-KEEP AN UP-TO-DATE SYLLABUS HANDY IN YOUR STUDIOS AND CHECK THE REQUIREMENTS REGULARLY.

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VMTA KEYBOARD SKILLS

STATE CHAIRMAN: LYNN KLEISLER, 2800 Airport Road, Suffolk, VA 23434, 757-925-0248, rodandlynnk@charter.net

GUIDELINES

The MTNA NATIONAL COURSE OF STUDY FOR PIANO and the VMTA THEORY TESTS were followed very closely in setting the guidelines for KEYBOARD SKILLS. Examples, when available, were taken from the NATIONAL COURSE OF STUDY. SUGGESTED FINGERINGS are included in the new Syllabus for your convenience. Teachers should indicate deviations from suggested fingerings on the back of each student's Test/Score sheet. The indicated metronome markings are the MINIMUM. Feel free to increase them according to the student's ability. Be sure to inform the judge by indicating increases on the back of the student's Test/Score sheet. Please address all questions to your LOCAL CHAIRMAN. She/he will then contact the State Chairman if the need arises. Hopefully, this will keep phone calls and correspondence to a minimum for everyone's convenience.

Testing will be done privately between each individual student and a judge. The tests will not be based on school grade, but on technical development, and will include 12 levels of scales, chords, cadences, and arpeggios. The metronome may be used in either of two ways:

1. Set the tempo only and then be turned off, or
2. Run continuously during the exercise.

MATERIAL MUST BE MEMORIZED

Test will be given during the months of January through April. Your LOCAL CHAIRMAN will set the date and place for your area. BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR APPLICATION AND FEES TO YOUR LOCAL CHAIRMAN BY LOCAL DEADLINE DATE. Please collect all fees from your students and make YOUR PERSONAL check payable to your LOCAL CHAPTER. Do not send individual checks from students. The application may be copied as needed. Students failing the test must RETAKE the test for the SAME LEVEL the FOLLOWING YEAR. However, the following year an additional test for the next level may also be taken.

Students may take two levels a year up to level 8, and may come into the sequence at any level the teacher chooses. Levels may be skipped at the teacher's discretion, providing the test being skipped was not failed.

THERE WILL BE NO RE-TESTS IN THE SAME YEAR, BUT MAKE-UP TESTS MAY BE GIVEN IN THE CASE OF ILLNESS. The teacher must contact the LOCAL CHAIRMAN to make arrangements.

DATE AND LOCATION: Contact your LOCAL CHAPTER CHAIRMAN.

ELIGIBILITY: Open to ALL Levels.

PERFORMING MEDIA: Piano

REQUIREMENTS: THIS TEST IS NOT REQUIRED FOR DISTRICT AUDITIONS.

There are 12 levels based on technical development. A student may enter the program at any level. Students may skip levels at teacher's discretion, providing the skipped level was not failed.

A SYLLABUS (revised 2002) IS AVAILABLE FROM THE LOCAL ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN. COST IS $10.00 PAYABLE TO VMTA.

APPLICATION FORMS: Available in the SYLLABUS or from your LOCAL ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN and in the Yearbook.

ENTRANCE FEES: STATE FEE-$6.00 for one test; LOCAL FEE-$2.00 for one test; EACH ADDITIONAL LEVEL-$2.00 to the STATE.

CHAPTERS have the option of charging an additional fee to keep in their local treasury.

DEADLINE: Set by the LOCAL CHAPTER.

AWARDS: Superior-Blue Ribbon; Excellent-Red Ribbon; Very Good- Green Ribbon; Good and Pass-Certificate of Participation.

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VMTA SKILLS FOR SINGLE LINE INSTRUMENTS

STATE CHAIRMAN: James Tobin, 2410 Northfield Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22901, 434-973-2524, TAMESJOBIN@HOTMAIL.COM

DATE AND LOCATION: Information not available. See website.

ELIGIBILITY: OPEN TO ALL LEVELS. Requirements for each level are intended as guidelines, and may be modified to conform to traditional teaching of the various instruments. Articulation, range, and form(s) of minor scales required are at the teacher's discretion.

• LEVEL I: Major scales and arpeggios through four sharps and four flats. MM Quarter note 60, in quarter notes.
• LEVEL II: ALL major scales and arpeggios. MM Quarter note 60, in quarter notes.
• LEVEL III A: ALL major scales and arpeggios. MM Quarter note 60, in eighth notes
• LEVEL III B: ALL major and minor scales and arpeggios. MM Quarter note 60, in eighth notes.
• LEVEL IV A: ALL major scales and arpeggios. Arpeggios in inversions. MM Quarter note 60, in sixteenth notes.
• LEVEL IV B: ALL major and minor scales and arpeggios. Arpeggios in inversions. MM Quarter note 60, in sixteenth notes.
• LEVEL V: ALL major and minor scales and arpeggios. Arpeggios in inversions. MM Quarter note 92, in sixteenth notes.
• LEVEL VI: ALL major and minor scales and arpeggios. Arpeggios in inversions. MM Quarter note 120, in sixteenth notes.
• LEVEL VII THROUGH LEVEL XII: Scales in thirds, seventh arpeggios, and faster tempi.

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VMTA/MTNA COMMISSIONED COMPOSER COMPETITION

STATE CHAIRMAN: DR. DAVID SHAFFER-GOTTSCHALK, 419 Roslyn Avenue, Colonial Heights, VA 23834, (804) 520-5540 (h), (804) 524-5332 (w), Dshaffer@vsu.edu

DATE AND LOCATION: The winning entrant will be commissioned to write a new work to be performed at the next Fall State Conference.

REPERTORY REQUIREMENTS: Submit one recent composition representative of your style of writing. Chamber works only (any combination). NO ORCHESTRAL SCORES.

PERFORMANCE: The winning entrant will be responsible for arrangements pertaining to performance of the commissioned work at the VMTA FALL STATE CONFERENCE.

APPLICATION: One entry per composer, consisting of: a score and CD or cassette tape of the work both labeled with a pseudonym; a sealed envelope labeled with the pseudonym containing the composer's name, address, phone number, and one page resume. Include a stamped self-addressed envelope for the return of the score and recording. They will not be returned otherwise.

ENTRANCE FEE: NONE

DEADLINE/TIMETABLE: DECEMBER 1, 2011, for application; commission contract recipient will be selected by a panel of adjudicators within 4-6 weeks; the commissioned work will receive its premiere at the 2011 Fall State Conference.

AWARDS: $1000.00 to the selected commissioned composer. Following the premiere, the manuscript and a tape of the completed commissioned work will be sent to the MTNA Shepherd Competition where a prize of $3000 is awarded to the National winner.

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VMTA CONCERTO COMPETITION

The location is James Madison University, Harrisonburg. The date Saturday, May 12, 2012.

CHAIRMAN: WANDA HALL, NCTM, 10 Merritt Cove, Carollton, VA 23314-2122

GUIDELINES

ELIGIBILITY: The teacher of the student must be a member of VMTA with dues paid for the fiscal year of the competition-AUGUST 1st, if it is a renewal.

• Students in 8th through 11th grade
• College Students and High School Seniors, but not yet 27 years of age at the time of the Fall Conference.

AUDITION PROCEDURE: Selections must be memorized. Contestants must provide scores for the judges. One copy of the music is sufficient. No photocopy of copyrighted music may be used by the contestant, judges or accompanists. Measures must be numbered. Mark all cuts. Judges may ask for passages to be repeated, and call time limits. Evaluation areas: Interpretation and overall artistic effect. A winner in each category will be selected solely on the basis of the audition performance. The decision of the judges is final. If in the opinion of the judges no contestant in a category meets VMTA standards, a winner need not be declared in that area. Alternates may be chosen if the judges feel the necessity. TIME LIMIT: Fifteen minutes will be allotted to each performer. Students are urged to use artistic judgement in cuts and omissions.

REPERTORY:

1. PIANO-one movement of a concerto. One movement of any standard Concerto currently in print. (Score and parts must be readily available. Contact the Chairman if there is any question about suitability of the piece for orchestra.
2. WOODWINDS, STRINGS, BRASS, PERCUSSION-One movement of any standard concerto currently in print. Score and parts readily available. Late romantic and 20th century compositions will need the approval of the chairman.
3. VOICE-any aria for which the accompaniment, score and parts, is currently listed in the Kalmus orchestral catalog. Late Romantic and 20th century compositions will need approval of the Chairman. ACCOMPANISTS: Must be furnished by the entrant. Name, address and phone number must appear on the application.

ENTRANCE FEE: $50.00 each category. Payable to VMTA from the teacher and included with application. Checks from students or parents cannot be accepted. The fee is non-refundable unless the category/section is canceled. APPLICATION: Application Forms are found in the VMTA Yearbook and on the VMTA web site. If the teacher has not yet received a current Yearbook please contact the Membership Chairman to receive your current copy. Please do not contact the Concerto Chairman.

Application must be completed in full, mailed before or on the postmark deadline and be accompanied by a check from the teacher. Also include a 10" x 13" self-addressed mailing envelope with your application to facilitate the return of judging critiques. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. NOTIFICATION OF AUDITION TIME: Teachers will be notified by email of audition times. Teachers, please do not ask students or parents to contact the chairman.

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VMTA DISTRICT AUDITIONS

STATE CHAIRMAN: ELLIS DUNTON, 6435 Dairy Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, 804-746-2925, aedunton@comcast.net

DATE AND LOCATION: In “NEWSNOTES" or check with individual District Chairman.

ELIGIBILITY: Level will be determined by the school grade the student is in at the time of the NEXT FALL CONFERENCE. For example, a student in grade 4 in the spring must enter Level IB since he/she would be in grade 5 at the time of the Fall State Convention.

PERFORMING MEDIA: Piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, accordion, classical guitar and organ (level III only).

THEORY AND SIGHT READING REQUIREMENTS:

LEVEL IA: DAVID CARR GLOVER ELEMENTARY AUDITIONS

LEVEL IB: DAVID CARR GLOVER ELEMENTARY AUDITIONS

LEVEL II: DONALD TRUESDELL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AUDITIONS

LEVEL III: DONALD BOLGER HIGH SCHOOL AUDITIONS

Student does not have to pass subsequent levels of theory or sightreading if he/she has passed the designated level for his/her school grade.

REPERTORY: Three compositions representing three different periods- baroque, classical, romantic, etc.

ACCOMPANIST: Provided by the student.

APPLICATION FORMS: In the yearbook. District Auditions Chairmen will forward a list of winners and their Teachers to the District Auditions State Chairman. This information will then be sent to the State Auditions Chairman to verify eligibility of entries.

ENTRANCE FEE: $20.00-ALL LEVELS, payable to VMTA. Checks must be included with application.

DEADLINE: CHECK WITH INDIVIDUAL DISTRICT CHAIRMAN.

AWARDS: First Place each level-$40.00; Alternate each level-$25.00. The Winner and Alternate will compete at the VMTA Fall Conference. If either chooses to enter the High School or Junior High School competitions, they must withdraw from the State Auditions. For Chairmen of DISTRICT AUDITIONS, please see committee chairmen in front of yearbook.

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MTNA COMPETITIONS

Complete information and application forms for all MTNA-sponsored competitions can be found at www.mtna.org. State chairmen are listed under “Committee Chairmen" in the front of the Yearbook. TEACHERS PLEASE NOTE: Send postcard to chairman with number of entrants and instrument by postmark deadline. The WINNER in each category is expected to perform in the Winner's Recital at the VMTA FALL CONFERENCE, and represent VMTA at the DIVISION competition. Apply for funds in writing to the VMTA Treasurer prior to going to Division or National Competitions.

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