BRANCH COMPETITION
The 2026 Branch Competition will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2026 at the First United Methodist Church in Ventura. The competition is open to all instruments and voice.
Eligibility
There are three divisions: ages 12 & under, 13 - 15, and 16-18.
Age on April 30th of the competition year is the deciding age for the qualifying division.
Student must have been studying the enrolled instrument with an active member of the MTAC Pleasant Valley-Ventura County Branch or California Federation of Music Clubs for at least six months. This teacher must be the student’s primary teacher, meaning they give the student 75% of their lessons.
Teachers must only enter their best students, representing the highest level of performance. Each teacher may enter up to six students in the competition. If the teacher would like to enter more students, he/she is to indicate a numerical hierarchy for the waiting list.
A student who has received 1st place may not enter in the same division in subsequent years.
Application deadline and registration fee are due on March 20, 2026 to Lily Starobinets.
Repertoire
One memorized piece from the standard repertoire (transcriptions are acceptable). Popular pieces are not allowed. For piano students, no arrangements are allowed. Omit repeats.
Please note, students applying for the Branch Competition must perform a piece at the following levels:
Division 1 - CM Level 3 or higher
Division 2 - CM Level 5 or higher
Division 3 - CM Level 7 or higher
Timing must be stated accurately. Cuts are prohibited with the exception of cuts in the accompaniment part. Students are encouraged to adhere to the time limit for their division, and those who exceed the division time limit will be stopped.
Pianists must perform solo works; other instrumentalists may perform with accompaniment.
Judging
There will be two judges for each division.
Student must provide one original score for the judges. Failure to do so may adversely affect the decision of the judges. The measures must be numbered, and photocopies are not allowed.
All students will receive written comments from the judges and a Certificate of Participation.
Judges may select one or more students in each division to receive Honorable Mention.
Judges will choose the winners based on the most polished performance, demonstrating exceptional musicality and technique.
Winners will be announced after each division program. First place winners will be asked for a promotional photo, a brief biography, and permission to publish. Supplying these items is optional.
Divisions
| Division | Age | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | Honorable Mention | All Entrants | Division Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division 1 | 12 & under | $100 and Trophy | $50 and Trophy | $25 and Trophy | Trophy | Certificate | 3 minutes |
| Division 2 | 13 to 15 | $200 and Trophy | $100 and Trophy | $50 and Trophy | Trophy | Certificate | 4 minutes |
| Division 3 | 16 to 18 | $300 and Trophy | $150 and Trophy | $75 and Trophy | Trophy | Certificate | 5 minutes |
Application Instructions
Late applications will not be considered and entry fees are non-refundable. Applications are accepted through e-mail only. We regret that we cannot accommodate scheduling requests; however, please note on your application if siblings are participating. Repertoire changes will not be allowed.
Download and complete the application on your computer, and e-mail it to address below.
Photocopy an official document verifying date of birth.
Acceptable documents include: birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, or California ID card.
Scan and e-mail to the e-mail address below, or mail to the mailing address below.
This document will be used for the sole purpose of age verification. For privacy purposes, it will then be shredded.
Mail one check per teacher, payable to “PV-VC MTAC,” to the mailing address below.
·ADDRESSES FOR SUBMISSION
· E-mail application and documentation of age to lilys@starobinets.com
· Mail check (and documentation of age, if not e-mailed) to: Lily Starobinets 505 Avocado Pl., Camarillo, CA 93010
Performance Instructions
Within each division, the students will be chosen to perform in random order.
Audition times will be announced to each teacher via e-mail.
Students must arrive at least 15 minutes early to the competition. They should bring the original sheet music for their audition piece with measures numbered and including marked cuts, if any. There are no warm-up pianos at the audition site. There will be a room for instrument cases and tuning.
Students must stay for the entire program to which they are assigned. Family, friends, and community members are encouraged to attend, but the audience will be monitored closely to ensure that they do not interfere with the performances. The attendance of young children is discouraged.·
Application deadline and registration fee are due on March 20, 2026 to Lily Starobinets.
Teachers: Please click the link below to access the application on the password-protected teacher portal.