Auditions

GMTA Local Auditions

The Georgia Music Teachers Association holds an annual music competition (State Auditions) to recognize the top students in various instrumental disciplines for school grades 4-12. This is a competitive event with high performance and literature levels. While all other instruments have one, state-wide event, the Pre-College piano event includes two preliminary events and requires passing a theory exam.

The GCMTA Local Auditions provide piano students in Grades 4–11 with an opportunity to perform before a qualified adjudicator, receive written feedback, and qualify for advancement to the Regional Auditions. Students designated as Outstanding Performers (OP) at the local level may advance to the Regional Auditions, provided they also satisfy the GMTA Theory Exam (GATE) requirements.

The GATE theory exam is offered in conjunction with this event, but requires a separate registration. Please see the theory page for more information.

Date:February 20, 2027
Location: Pianoworks, 2805 Bufor Hwy, Duluth, GA, 30096
Chair: Sun Hee Kim, email: sunkeekim.piano@gmail.com
Registration Deadline: Online only, by January 15, 2027
Click here to register: gmta.tenutoweb.com

Parents and students should direct questions to their private teacher. Teachers may contact the Local Audition Chair directly. For additional information visit the Georgia MTA website.

Order Lunch

Click here to complete the Gwinnett County Local Auditions Lunch Order Form.

Lunch order deadline: February 16, 2027.

  • Teachers should send lunch payment to Kathy Dawal (Zelle preferred)
  • Additional lunch information will be provided by email.

 

Teacher Requirements

Teachers entering students must:

  • Be a current GCMTA member with dues paid by the registration deadline.
  • Register students through the GMTA online registration system (gmta.tenutoweb.com).
  • Pay the registration fee ($25 per student).
  • Payment may be made online or by check. Checks must be received by the registration deadline.

Mail checks to:

Mandy Reynolds, Executive Director, GMTA
1794 Lake Heights Circle
Dacula, GA 30019

Teachers are also required to work during the Local Auditions:

  • 1–5 students: Half-day assignment
  • 6 or more students: Full-day assignment

No substitutes are permitted.

Teachers who are unable to fulfill their work assignment may pay an exemption fee:

  • $50 (half day)
  • $100 (full day)

Failure to fulfill the work requirement will result in students receiving comments only and becoming ineligible for Outstanding Performer (OP) status.

Student Requirements

Eligibility

  • Students in Grades 4–11 are eligible to participate.
  • Grade 12 students register directly for the State Auditions and do not participate in the Local or Regional Auditions but must pass the GATE or be exempt.

Required Repertoire

Students must perform two memorized piano works:

  • One work from the Baroque or Classical period (through Beethoven)
  • One work from the Romantic, Impressionistic, or Contemporary period

Note: Contemporary pedagogical repertoire is considered Contemporary regardless of style. Please refer to the Pre-College Piano guidelines on the GMTA website for complete repertoire requirements.

Theory Requirement (GATE)

Unless exempt, students must register separately for the Georgia Auditions Theory Exam (GATE) through the GMTA website (georgiamta.org). The GATE exam will be administered on the day of the Local Auditions.

Rules

  • Arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled audition time.
  • Bring the original printed scores for both pieces, with all measures numbered. (Photocopies and scores downloaded from free public-domain websites are not permitted).
  • Remove the names of both the student and teacher from all music.
  • Auditions are closed to spectators.
  • Teachers, students, and parents may not identify themselves to or communicate with the judge.
  • The judge’s decision is final.
  • Students who receive the Outstanding Performer (OP) designation are eligible to advance to the Regional Auditions, subject to GMTA requirements.
  • Students advancing to the Regional and State Auditions must perform the same repertoire presented at the Local Auditions.

Additional Information

  • Every participant receives a certificate and written adjudication comments.
  • Students are evaluated only within their grade level.
  • Award categories include:
    • Outstanding Performer (OP)
    • Award of Excellence (AE)
    • Honorable Mention (HM)
  • Students who receive the Outstanding Performer (OP) designation will receive a trophy. Additional information regarding trophy fees and payment procedures will be provided to teachers closer to the audition date.

For complete statewide audition information, theory requirements, and repertoire guidelines, visit georgiamta.org and navigate to: Student Activities → Pre-College Piano