2021 Coltman Competition Virtual Showdown
The year 2020 has brought many changes BUT don’t worry, though the Coltman Competition will not look quite the same in 2021, ensembles will still have an exciting nationwide event to look forward to and work towards!
The 2021 Coltman Competition Virtual Showdown will still be competitive for ensembles that are looking to capture prestige and recognition, BUT will also allow for more accessibility for the current COVID-19 environment. All ensembles that submit an application will receive written feedback from adjudicators, giving them additional tools for musical development. Thirty-one (11 Junior Division, 10 Senior Division Mixed Instrumental, and 10 Senior Division String & Piano) ensembles will be selected and featured in the March 6, 2021 virtual invitational. Preliminary judging will be based highly on ensemble playing this year, slightly less on recording quality. Cash prizes will be presented and bragging rights will be awarded through a People’s Choice Prize within each virtual showdown.
Start your ensemble’s application here beginning January 11th
Important Dates
Monday, January 11, 2021: Online submission opens… Start your application HERE beginning 1/11/21
Monday, February 1, 2021: Submission deadline for all application materials for both Junior and Senior Division at 11:59 PM CST
Week of February 22, 2021: Applicants notified of prescreening audition results
Saturday, March 6, 2021: Virtual Showdowns via Zoom webinar
- 11:00 AM (CST): Junior Division – 11 ensembles will be featured
- 2:00 PM (CST): Senior Division Mixed Instrumental Category – 10 ensembles will be featured
- 5:00 PM (CST): Senior Division String & Piano Category – 10 ensembles will be featured
Divisions & Ensemble Prizes
Senior Division
- Ensemble must be an average age of 18 to 30 on 3/6/21
- Ensemble Prizes
- Mixed Instrumental Category: People’s Choice Prize = $1000 ensemble cash prize
- String & Piano Category: People’s Choice Prize = $1000 ensemble cash prize
Junior Division
- Ensemble must be an average age of 18 or under on 3/6/21 — However, if any member(s) of the ensemble are in college then the ensemble should submit a Senior Division application
- People’s Choice Prize = $500 ensemble cash prize
Eligibility Requirements & Regulations
Junior Division and Senior Division → 2021 Eligibility Requirements and Regulation
Attending The Competition Virtually
Hear extraordinary music performed by musicians who will knock your socks off! Saturday, March 6 will feature remarkable musicians from around the country in three virtual showdowns. Ensembles may include brass quintets, string quartets, piano trios, percussion ensembles, and other ensembles mixed with winds, strings, harp, and piano. The competition takes place virtually via Zoom webinar and admission is free! A People’s Choice Prize for each showdown will be awarded but we need YOU there to vote!! More information will be available as the competition nears.
Coltman Competition History
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.
Competition Archives
Coltman Competition Is Sponsored By
