student playing intrument inside
student playing piano
student playing string instrument

The Neil and Dolly Huhta Instrumental Music Competition

Eligibility

  • The Neil & Dolly Huhta Instrumental Music Competition is open to all enrolled Stetson University instrumental music majors, including string, guitar, woodwind, brass, percussion, and keyboard instruments.
  • Students must be enrolled in Applied Primary Lessons for Music Majors (MUSA 112 - Lower Division, MUSA 312 - Upper Division, or MUSA 313 - Upper Division) and fulfill their ensemble requirements.
  • Music Education students who will be interning are eligible to enter the competition provided they have the endorsement of their applied instructor.
  • Students must have permission from their applied instructor to enter the competition. 

Prizes

  • 1st place- $4,000
  • 2nd place- $1,000
  • 3rd place- $500

Competition Guidelines/Requirements

  • Repertoire includes unaccompanied works as well as works with piano accompaniment. Concerti movements will not be accepted. If a piece outside of a concerto includes an orchestral reduction, approval in writing from both the competition coordinator and the applicant's studio teacher is required. 
  • Memorization is optional at any stage of the competition.

Preliminary Round

  • Contestants will email the competition coordinator links to YouTube video recordings, including two contrasting selections/movements. There is no minimal playing time requirement, but submissions should not exceed 12 minutes for both the preliminary and final rounds of the competition. 
  • Where the repertoire requires, piano accompaniment does not need to be included in the preliminary recordings. 
  • A panel of three external judges, comprised of instrumental artists/professors in Florida, will select up to 24 competitors to advance to the final round.
  • The deadline to apply is Monday, September 23, 2024 (by 5:00 p.m.)
  • DEADLINE to submit the preliminary round videos is Sunday, November 10, 2024 (by 5:00 p.m.)
  • No repertoire changes are allowed after the deadline.
  • Announcement of finalists will be done via email on Monday, November 25, 2024

Final Round

  • All finalists will compete live at Lee Chapel on February 9, 2025.
  • Finalists will be expected to perform the same repertoire submitted in the preliminary round, including piano accompaniment if applicable.
  • Repertoire changes are not permitted.
  • Contestants must provide three copies of the full score for the judges at the time of the competition.
  • The final round will be adjudicated by a panel of three external judges, distinct from those who evaluated the preliminary round.
  • The winners will be announced at the end of the day on February 9, 2025, after all finalists have performed and the judges have deliberated.

For additional information, contact Dunwoody Mirvil at [email protected]