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Performance Evaluation Program (PEP)

The Performance Evaluation Program (PEP) is a PMTNM-sponsored non-competitive general audition. The repertoire, dates, and general rules are determined by the PEP Committee. PEP auditions are held at various locations around the state throughout the year.

Entrants must be studying with a teacher who is a member in good standing of PMTNM, and may be of elementary, junior high, or senior high age. There is an adult category for students over the age of 18.

2026 PEP Dates:

Application forms must be submitted to the Local PEP Chair no later than four weeks prior to the audition date.

For questions about the PEP program, please contact the PEP Committee Chair through the Members Area.

Honors Auditions

The Honors Auditions are competitive auditions open to piano, instrumental, and voice students at the district and state levels. The program was designed to encourage students to study, prepare, and present recital caliber repertoire in a polished performance. Participants have the opportunity to perform before qualified judges who provide careful and constructive criticism. The state winners perform on a Student Winners' Recital during the Professional Music Teachers of New Mexico (PMTNM) Conference.

Students enter in one of five levels based on their age. There is also a collegiate level. Entrants must be studying with a teacher who is a member in good standing of the Professional Music Teachers of New Mexico (PMTNM). Non‑PMTNM members may enter students with the payment of a $25 surcharge fee added to both the District and State Honors Audition fees.

MTNA Competitions

The MTNA National Competitions are the most successful and prestigious student competitions in the country. Each year, thousands of students compete for top prizes and national recognition. The purpose of the Music Teachers National Association Performance competitions is to provide educational experiences for students and teachers and to recognize exceptionally talented young artists and their teachers in their pursuit of musical excellence.

For information about MTNA competitions in New Mexico, please contact the state competition chairs through the Members Area.

Please visit www.mtna.org to view the complete rules and to apply for MTNA competitions.

Competition Categories:

• Junior, Senior, and Young Artist Performance: Three-tiered competitions starting at state level, advancing to video-only division competition, and culminating in national finals. Categories include Brass (Senior and Young Artist), Piano, Piano Duet (Senior), String, Voice (Senior and Young Artist), and Woodwind.
• Composition: Available for Elementary, Junior, Senior and Young Artist levels, with state, division, and national finals. Winners' compositions are performed at the MTNA National Conference.
• Chamber Music: A two-tiered event with preliminary video submissions and live finals at the MTNA National Conference. Seven ensembles in both String and Wind categories are selected nationwide.
• Brass and Voice (Senior and Young Artist only) Performance Competitions are two-tiered competitions: the Preliminary Round, by video submission only; and the Final Round, live at the MTNA National Conference. Entrants will compete without regard to the state or division in which they live or take lessons. Seven finalists will be selected in both the Brass and Voice categories from a nationwide pool of applicants to compete in the final round.