The Utah Music Teachers Association (UMTA) hosts Performance Evaluations across the state in early Fall. Participation ranges from 250 to 400 musicians each year. Well-qualified judges provide insightful comments which benefit students and teachers, alike. This is not a competitive event. All students receive a participation certificate and written comments from the adjudicator. Each student may only enter the region where they or their teacher resides OR, if needed, they may enter the Online region. They may not enter more than one region. Students may enter the solo and duet division as two entries.

A state-wide honors recital is held to recognize outstanding performances. Judges in each region select the top performers (up to 20 percent) per age division. These participants are then invited to perform at the Honors Recital held after all evaluations have been adjudicated. The UMTA Honors Recital will be held at Daynes Music in Midvale, Utah, once all regions have been judged.

UMTA teachers are encouraged to send students with polished, memorized repertoire to the regional events in all playing levels from beginning to advanced. (Memorized repertoire is not required, but will score higher than non-memorized pieces.) All instruments are welcome, including piano duets and ensembles. One piano is provided at evaluations and two pianos at the honors recital. For multi-piano ensembles, please see our online division or ask your local region chair.

The public is invited to attend the UMTA Honors Recitals at no charge. These recitals provide an excellent opportunity to see some of the best performers within each age group from around the state.

If you’d like to learn more about competing or entering your students, please visit Registration Guidelines.