Musicians from across Texas will come to campus to compete in The Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA) Performance Competition this weekend.
TMTA is a state branch of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), which holds conventions across the country throughout the year. MTNA host several levels of competition that contestants must advance through to win the overall competition.
One hundred eight contestants will compete in the performance competition, in divisions such as piano, winds and voice. After winning at the state level, contestants will advance to a divisional competition in January, and those winners advance to the finals held in Las Vegas, Nev. in March.
Last year, the Texas competition saw six students place in the national competition.
Contestants range in age from 11 to 26 years of age.
Prizes for winners at the national competition range from $1,000 to $3,000, with the winner of the piano competition receiving a new Steinway & Sons piano.
Judges in the competition include music faculty from across the state, including Sam Houston State University professors. The names of the judges are kept secret until after the competition.
Performances begin Nov. 8 at 8:30 a.m. and last until 5:30 p.m. The competition resumes Nov. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
All events are free and open to the public.
Events will be held in the James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center as well as the Music Building.