Coltman Chamber Music Competition

The national Coltman Chamber Music Competition, launched in 2010, offers advanced applicants performance experience and expert commentary. Winners of the competition receive a cash prize and multiple performance opportunities, including a live broadcast on KMFA 89.5.

Welcome to the Coltman Competition!

The 13th Annual Coltman Competition will take place March 7 & 8, 2026 at The University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music. Competition staff reserve the right to cancel or amend any or all of the competition.

Want to stay updated on Coltman Competition details? Sign up for ACMC’s Coltman email list!

Important Dates

Monday, December 1, 2025 Online application opens
Thursday, December 18, 2025 Submission deadline for all application materials for both the Junior and Senior Division Categories at 11:59 PM (CST).
No application refunds will be given once a submission has been made.
January 26-30, 2026 Applicants notified of preliminary round results
Saturday, March 7, 2026 Live semi-final rounds
Sunday, March 8, 2026 Live final rounds

Competition Location

University of Texas at Austin
Butler School of Music
2406 Robert Dedman Drive
Austin, TX 78712

Contact Information

coltman@austinchambermusic.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Coltman FAQs After looking through the Eligibility Requirements and Regulations, if your ensemble has a question, please visit the Coltman FAQs page before emailing competition staff.

Ensemble Prizes

Ensemble Prizes Winning ensembles will receive cash prizes, performance opportunities, and prestigious recognition.

Start an Ensemble Application

Online Application Ensembles can start an online application beginning Monday, December 1! 

Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities

Sponsorships  Multiple sponsorship levels available

Advertising  Place an ad in the competition program

Volunteering

In order for the competition to run smoothly, volunteers are needed on Saturday and Sunday. If you’re interested in volunteering opportunities, please contact us at coltman@austinchambermusic.org for more information.

Some of the duties will include: Contestant check-in at the registration desk, monitoring warm-up rooms, assisting judges, escorting contestants to and from performance areas, helping with awards ceremony, greeting and welcoming contestants as they enter the competition spaces, set up and tear down, etc.

Attending the Competition

Hear extraordinary music performed by musicians who will knock your socks off! Saturday will feature remarkable musicians from around the country in the live semi-final rounds. Ensembles may include woodwind quintets, string quartets, piano trios, and other ensembles mixed with winds, strings, brass, and piano. The final rounds will take place on Sunday. The competition takes place in the University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music and admission is free!

Competition Archives

Coltman Competition Is Sponsored By


KMFA 89.5 logo with link to site



HEB Helping Here

Texas Commission on the Arts logo with link to site

National Endowment for the Arts logo with link to site

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota; link to site




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