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.
2026 Coltman Competition Judges
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Competition Schedule (subject to change)
Friday, March 6, 2026OPTIONAL |
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM: Ensemble check-in at UT Austin Butler School of Music |
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Saturday, March 7, 2026SEMI-FINAL ROUNDS |
8:30 AM: check-in at UT Austin Butler School of Music/Warm-up
9:30 AM to 11:15 AM: Semi-finals for Junior Division – Mixed Instrumental & Senior Division – String & Piano 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM: Semi-finals for Junior Division – String & Piano & Senior Division – Mixed Instrumental 3:00 PM: Networking hour 4:00 PM: Finalists announced |
Sunday, March 8, 2026FINAL ROUNDS |
7:30 AM: check-in at UT Austin Butler School of Music/Warm-up
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM: Finals for Junior Division – Mixed Instrumental 9:15 AM to 11:15 AM: Finals for Senior Division – Mixed Instrumental 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Finals for Junior Division – String & Piano 12:45 PM to 2:45 PM: Finals for Senior Division – String & Piano 4:00 PM: Awards Ceremony |
Important Dates
| Monday, December 1, 2025 | Online application opens |
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| Friday, December 19, 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 |
Start an Ensemble Application
Applications are now closed for the 2026 competition.
Competition Location
University of Texas at Austin
Butler School of Music
2406 Robert Dedman Drive
Austin, TX 78712
Contact Information
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.
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
