MTAC Los Angeles County Branch

Dozen Charitable Trust Fund - Chamber Music Scholarship Competition

Competition: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Awards Concert: Sunday, May 17, 2026

Church of Glory (3017 W. Valley Blvd., Alhambra, CA 91803)

Teacher & Student Rules:

1. All applicants must be students of an Active Teacher, Provisional, Cal plan, Student, and Contributory member of Los Angeles County Branch. 

2. Contributory member must pay a one-time membership fee of $30 to MTAC LA County to be eligible to participate in Chamber Music Scholarship Competition.  Payment must be mailed to MTAC LA Branch (1425 Westminster Ave., Alhambra, CA 91803) and received before they can register their students. 

3. Contributory members are allowed to send only one (1) student per category.

4. Students of Contributory members are allowed to participate in Chamber Music Scholarship Competition provided that the main applicant must be a student of an Active Teacher, Provisional, Cal plan or Student member of MTAC Los Angeles County Branch.

5. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate with other teachers from MTAC Los Angeles County Branch.

6. Category is determined by contestant’s age as of May 2, 2026 and is based on the oldest applicant.

7. Each application can be a collaboration of instruments for a minimum of TWO (2) applicants and a maximum of FOUR (4) applicants. No Two-Pianos please.

8. This competition is open to audience.

9. Contestants will provide their own accompanist (if applicable) at their own expenses. However, teachers may not be the accompanist.

10. Applicants (except for Contributory Member) may participate in both Solo and Chamber Music Competition, however, applicants may not play the same piece in both competitions. 

11. Contestant can only participate in one competition regardless of category.

12. Parents & Teachers must review and sign the MTAC Recording & Attendance Policy for each applicant.

Music Selection:

13. Applicants may choose any pieces from any periods to be performed within the time limit.

14. Both original compositions and arrangements are accepted.

15. Music does not need to be memorized.

16. Only original scores are permitted for this event.  Digital scores willbe accepted only if accompanied by a proof of purchase receipt.  All participants and accompanists must have either an original or an approved digital score of their music parts.  Photocopies are allowed for page-turning purpose only.  Failure to comply with guidelines will result in disqualification.

17. A complete original or approved music score or approved digital score must be presented to the judges.

18. Only repertoire listed on the application can be performed. No changes of repertoire are allowed after registration closes.

Awards:

19. Awards are made at the discretion of the judges and judges’ decisions are final, with no exceptions! There will be NO Ties. Teachers of winning students will be notified by email within 24 hours.

20. Not all categories may necessarily have three (3) winners.

21. Honorable mentions may be awarded at judges’ discretion.

22. Any personal communication with the judges from students, parents, or teachers, will result in disqualification of the contestant and their team.

23. FIRST place winners are required to perform, and all prize winners MUST be present to receive their scholarships at the Awards Concert. Failure to appear will result in the forfeiture of the prize award.

Application Guidelines:

24. Online registration period: April 1, 2026 – April 15, 2026. Please go to www.mtaclacounty.org to register.

24. Late and Incomplete application will be denied.

25. Competition schedules will be given to teachers by April 26, 2026.

26. All fees are non-refundable.

Categories	Age	Time Limit	Application Fees	Prizes:
Category 1	16 - 18	10 minutes	$45 per applicant	1st prize: $675
				2nd prize: $575
				3rd prize: 475
Category 2	13 - 15	10 minutes	$45 per applicant	1st prize: $575
				2nd prize: $475
				3rd prize: $425
Category 3	10 - 12	8 minutes	$40 per applicant	1st prize: $475
				2nd prize: $425
				3rd prize: $375
Category 4	9 - under	8 minutes	$40 per applicant	1st prize: $425
				2nd prize: $375
				3rd prize: $325

 

Attention MTAC Teachers and Parents:

Recording: California Civil Code Section 1708.8 states that it is illegal to capture photos, videos, or audio recordings of people without their permission or consent, especially when minors are involved.

The MTAC – Los Angeles County Branch forbids the use of photography, audio and video recording of students’ performances during their public music branch events. This includes the use of the following electronic recording devices:

• Cell phones (e.g., iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.)
• Tablets
• Video cameras
• Camcorders
• Mini recorders 

In open branch events, photography and video recording of a student performer by a family member or friend will be allowed from one designated seat at the front of the audience.  All other areas of the venue will be prohibited.

Participating teachers and event staff will monitor the audience to enforce the policy. Failure to comply with this policy will result in the associated student performer: 1. forfeiting any award received, if selected as a winner, and 2.  being prohibited from participating in the same music branch event the following year.

Attendance: No more than 3 family members are allowed to attend an event. Any child under the age of 2 is not allowed inside the venue while the program is in progress. 

It is our highest priority to ensure the safety and privacy of all student performers.  Therefore, these rules will be strictly enforced at all public music branch events.  We ask that you share this reminder with any family members and friends who plan to attend.  Your cooperation, and that of the student's family is essential and greatly appreciated.

Upon signing this policy, you agree to the above terms and accept the penalties that may be handed to the student participant.