Coltman Chamber Music Competition

Welcome to the 10th Annual Coltman Competition!

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 and performance opportunities.

The 10th Annual Coltman Competition will be held in-person on March 4 & 5, 2023 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 2023 competition.

COVID-19 Precautions: The competition will be following all City of Austin, CDC, and/or venue guidelines.

Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities

Sponsorships  Multiple sponsorship levels available

Advertising  Place an ad in the competition program

Important Competition Dates

2023 Eligibility Requirements & Regulations

Senior Division
2023 Senior Division Categories Eligibility and Regulations.pdf
Ensemble members must be an average age of 18 to 30 on 3/4/23

Junior Division
2023 Junior Division Categories Eligibility and Regulations.pdf
Ensemble members must be an average age of 18 or under on 3/4/23 — However, if any member(s) of the ensemble are in college then the ensemble should submit a Senior Division application

Frequently Asked Questions

Coltman FAQs Page 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 Thursday, December 1!

2023 Live Semi-final and Final Round Judges

Patrice Calixte – Associate Concertmaster, Austin Symphony Orchestra
Rami El-Farrah – Saxophone Instructor, University of Texas San Antonio
Kathryn Fouse – Dean, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor  College of Visual and Performing Arts
Troy Peters – Orchestra Director, University of Texas San Antonio; Music Director, Youth Orchestras of San Antonio
Gregory Sauer – Professor of Cello, Florida State University
Yevgeniy Sharlat – Associate Professor of Composition, University of Texas at Austin
Patricia Shih – Associate Professor of Violin, Baylor University
Michael Webster – Professor of Music, Rice University; Artistic Director, Houston Youth Symphony
Read Bios

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 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!

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