Application Guidelines

Entrants must create an account with YouTube to enter the MTNA eFestival. If a teacher has more than one entrant entering the eFestival, each individual entrant will submit a separate application.

There is no application deadline. Video links may be submitted year-round and are reviewed within one week after they are received. Critiques are returned to the applicant usually within seven to 10 days after submission.

What You Need to Know

  • The MTNA eFestival is open to everybody regardless of performance level or country of residence. Residents of countries in the European Union must be age 13 or older to participate; there is no minimum age for residents outside of the EU.
  • Entrants do not need to be studying with a teacher to participate.
  • MTNA membership for teacher (if applicable) or performer is not required.
  • Memorization is not required.
  • Each entrant may upload a maximum of 15 minutes of music (up to 8 videos, as needed)
    • Any style, any piece, including arrangements and transcriptions.
    • In the event your submission exceeds this limit, the evaluators will only provide feedback on the repertoire performed during the first 15 minutes.
    • Name your video files with the piece title and composer (for example, Minuet in G, Bach)
  • MTNA eFestival evaluations are accepted for solo piano, brass, woodwind, strings, voice, guitar/mandolin, ukulele, organ, harp, percussion and chamber music (maximum six).
  • Performances will be evaluated solely on musicality.
  • In most cases, entrants will receive comments on their performances via email seven to 10 days after submission. There are no ratings or scores associated with the eFestival.
  • Full name, city, state and age of entrant(s) will be anonymous to the evaluator. (Only first name will provided to differentiate between entrants)
  • Name of instructor, if applicable, will be anonymous to the evaluator.
  • Digital certificates of participation are available.
  • MTNA reserves the right to limit the number of entrants.
  • Entry fee: $25. Fees are non-refundable.

What You Need to Do

  1. Create an account with YouTube.
    • Entrants must have an account with YouTube to submit for the eFestival. If a teacher has more than one entrant submitting for the eFestival, each individual entrant will create a separate account.
    • Chamber ensembles (maximum six) will submit as one entrant, using one name and one email address.
  2. Complete the online application and upload video(s).
    • You will receive an automatic email confirming successful submission of your videos and application.

Video Tips

  • Name your video files with the piece title and composer (for example, Minuet in G, Bach)
  • Videos may be recorded on any device.
  • Accepted formats: MP4, M4V, AVI, FLV, MOV, WMV, MPG, MPEG, M2V, WEBM.
  • To ensure quality and consistency of the videos among entrants, set up the camera from the audience perspective, limit background noise and make sure the performance space is well lit. Test recordings are advisable before recording the final videos.
  • Up to eight videos may be submitted. Combined time of all videos must not exceed 15 minutes. (Several shorter videos are encouraged to decrease the time it takes to upload media files).
  • Prior to each performance, the name of the composition and composer/arranger must be communicated. This may be done by adding a title to the video, by being announced by the applicant or with the applicant holding up a sign with this information.
  • Videos will be submitted on the application on the MTNA website.

eFestival Agreement

  • It is the responsibility of the teacher, coach, entrant and parent or guardian to abide by all rules and regulations for the MTNA eFestival, including federal copyright laws.
  • All fees are nonrefundable.
  • MTNA will not use performance videos for any purpose other than MTNA eFestival Evaluation without written permission from the entrant.

Confirmation Message

  • You will receive a confirmation message when your application and video have been successfully submitted. In most cases, you will receive comments via email seven to 10 days after the video(s) are submitted. If you have any questions, contact MTNA.


Enter Now

MTNA eFestival Home