Young Artist Achievement Awards Guidelines

Entry Levels:  Age and grade will be considered in assigning the level.  There are eleven grade levels, beginning with Grade 2 and ending with Grade 12.

Audition Requirements:

1. Teacher membership in NAMTA is required to qualify students.

2. All participants must have studied with that teacher for a minimum of 6 months prior to the NAMTA Auditions, and must still be with that teacher at the time of the YAAA.

3. Students qualify by receiving a superior rating in performance of standard category, and passing the theory test (if required) of NAMTA auditions in the calendar year in which the superior is awarded.

4. Students must enter two pieces from different periods.  One of these pieces must be selected from the repertoire performed in the most recent NAMTA Performance Audition.

5. Each contestant must bring one copy of each selection to be played for the judges (no photocopies are accepted) with all measures numbered. The student may choose the first piece to perform.  Students must be prepared to play all selections submitted, but also be prepared to omit any section(s) at the judge's discretion.

6. Time of performance allowed will depend on entry level and scheduling.  However, time is not the essence of the quality of the student's performance.  The judges have the right to start and stop any selection.

7. The judges have the right to declare a "no winner" in each category.  In case of a tie, two winners can be declared. The judges' decision is final.

Application Deadline: See Application Form.

Completing the Application. The application must be completed by the TEACHER (and not the parent or student) by the deadline listed above. Teachers will be given the audition schedule and are responsible for notifying all their students.

Fee: The APPLICATION FEE is $15.00. Teachers should send ONE check for all the students from their studio made payable to NAMTA. Send one check made payable to NAMTA to: Debra Nelson 6004 Stillmeadow Dr., Nashville, TN 37211-6516

Awards. In addition to an opportunity for performance, each participant receives a certificate and critiques from the judges. The winner(s) in each grade will receive a $50.00 cash award and will be invited to play in a Winners Concert/Competition where overall winners will be declared and separate prize money will be awarded. Please check back later for details on these amounts.