Music is a performing art, and is a wonderful gift to share. Our association sponsors or facilitates a number of performance opportunities and enriching experiences throughout the year.
Event Types
A number of events are sponsored on a county level, while others are conducted statewide or nationally. Some are competitive, some are a mix of competitive and non-competitive, and some are performance only.
Because of the wide range of activities, each event has its own rules and procedures. Please see the event-specific page on this website.
Judges
Many events require outside judges. Judges are experienced teachers and adjudicators. All judges’ decisions are final and may not be challenged. They often comment on the difficulty they face when required to decide between several or many excellent performances. Please also keep in mind that students may not perform as well under stress as they do at home. GCMTA recommends that all students perform their pieces before audiences prior to competitions.
Parents and Students
If you have additional questions, please contact your teacher. Most teachers have participated in the events for years, and many have also been involved in event organization and administration. They will be able to answer your questions. Please do not contact individual event chair persons. They are not authorized to provide information to the students of other teachers.
Events
Below is a list of some activities with a brief description. Click on the event title for additional information.
Music Day
This is typically held in early November. It is open to all students of active GCMTA members. Non-member teachers may also enter students, but will be required to pay an annual teacher fee. Students will perform before a judge and receive a rating and comments. Grades 4-12 are competitive. Winners (OPR) of local auditions may perform for a rating and comments, but are not eligible to win. Students must perform at this event to be considered for our March Master Class.
Federated Festival
Member clubs of The National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) hold three of these events in Gwinnett County. Participation is open to NFMC participants. Preliminary registration is due in September.
Performance Day
Performance day is an opportunity for piano students of GCMTA teachers to perform in a non-recital, non-competitive setting at a local establishment.
Auditions
Local auditions are held in February and are open to the students of GCMTA teachers. Winners move on to compete at the regional level later in March, with regional winners moving on to the state auditions in April.
Jr. Sr. Scholarship
GCMTA has established a scholarship program for our high school juniors and seniors.
Entrants may perform on any instrument according to the rules.
Theory Exams
State-sponsored theory exams are offered in conjunction with our Music Day and Local Auditions. Entrants are not required to participate in the associated events, but may do so.