Named after Austin Chamber Music Center founder, Felicity Coltman, the Coltman Chamber Music Competition provides performance experience and expert commentary to advanced chamber ensembles along with cash prizes, scholarships and performance opportunities. The competition began locally in 2010, reaching extraordinary middle and high school ensembles from Austin and surrounding areas. After taking a year off to revamp the competition, and dividing the competition into junior and senior divisions, the first annual state-wide competition began in 2014 reaching more talented musicians from around Texas. The second annual competition went nationwide expanding to even more outstanding musicians from all around the country! The sixth annual competition expanded into multiple categories.
Important Dates
| November 1, 2019 | Online submission opens |
|---|---|
| January 13, 2020 | Submission deadline for all application materials for both the Junior and Senior Division Categories at 11:59 PM CST |
| Week of February 3, 2020 | Applicants notified of pre-screening audition results |
| Saturday, March 7, 2020 | Live semi-final rounds |
| Sunday, March 8, 2020 | Live final rounds |
Competition Location
University of Texas at Austin
Butler School of Music
2406 Robert Dedman Drive
Austin, TX 78712
Contact Information
Division Categories
Senior Division Categories: Ensemble must be an average age of 18 to 30 on 3/6/20
- String & Piano Category (violin, viola, cello, string bass, piano)
- Mixed Instrumental Category (woodwind, brass, percussion, string, harp, classical guitar, piano ensembles)
Junior Division Categories: Ensemble must be an average age of 18 or under on 3/6/20
- String & Piano Category (violin, viola, cello, string bass, piano)
- Mixed Instrumental Category (woodwind, brass, percussion, string, harp, classical guitar, piano ensembles)
Eligibility Requirements & Regulations
- Senior Division Categories → 2020-senior-division-categories.pdf
- Junior Division Categories → 2020-junior-division-categories.pdf
Volunteering March 6, 7, & 8
In order for the competition to run smoothly, volunteers are needed on Friday, 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 and reception
- Greeting and welcoming contestants as they enter the competition spaces
- Move in and move out
Attending The Competition
Hear extraordinary music performed by musicians who will knock your socks off! Saturday, March 7 will feature remarkable musicians from around the country in the live semi-final rounds. Ensembles may include brass quintets, string quartets, piano trios, percussion ensembles and other ensembles mixed with winds, strings, harp, and piano. The final rounds will take place on Sunday, March 8. The competition takes place in the University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music and admission is free! More information will be available as the competition nears.
2020 Competition Judges
Faith DeBow, piano
Jack Delaney, conductor
Robert Freeman, piano
Misha Galaganov, viola
Steve Girko, clarinet
Jacob Harrison, conductor
Michael Jacobson, saxophone
Prudence McDaniel, cello
Coltman Competition Is Sponsored By
