ABOUT ADJUDICATIONS​
IN-PERSON ADJUDICATION
Registration Guidelines
Registration forms are due October 23, 2026. When registering, indicate your preferred day (Saturday or Sunday) and time (morning or afternoon), or select no preference.
After submitting your registration form, you will receive an invoice. Payment can be made by check or through PayPal, which accepts Venmo and credit cards.
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Registration Fees
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Early Elementary–Elementary: $25
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Late Elementary–Intermediate: $35
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Late Intermediate–Advanced: $45
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Optional 15-minute Teacher Conference: $25
Participation Guidelines
Students perform two contrasting solo pieces for an adjudicator, who provides written feedback and guidance. One piece should be memorized and recital-ready; the other should be learned but may still need refinement.
Please note the following requirements:
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Teachers purchase performance blocks of 15, 25, or 35 minutes, priced at $25, $35, and $45, respectively.
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Repertoire may include classical music, method-book pieces, popular arrangements, and contemporary compositions. Duets are discouraged.
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Students must bring original scores for both pieces, with measures numbered at the beginning of each system. Authorized purchased downloads are acceptable when the required authorization is visible.
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For the piece that is not memorized, students must bring two original scores: one for the adjudicator and one for themselves.
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Parents and other interested attendees are welcome to observe the adjudicator's mini-lesson.
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Early beginners (E1 and E2) may participate in a group-style format and perform one piece. Primer students are generally not encouraged to participate.
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All participants receive a ribbon.
Adjudicators are selected for their teaching ability, musical knowledge, pianistic expertise, and ability to provide positive, constructive feedback.
VIRTUAL ADJUDICATION
How It Works
Virtual adjudications allow students to participate remotely by submitting a video of their piano performance. The adjudicator reviews each performance and provides written feedback.
Videos may be recorded using a smartphone or another mobile device. For the best results, ensure the student is well-lit and avoid having bright light or a window directly behind them.
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Registration Guidelines
Registration forms are due October 23, 2026. Videos, PDF scores, and printed programs listing each student's repertoire must be submitted by November 14, 2026.
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Registration Fees
Virtual adjudication fees are the same as in-person adjudication fees:
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Early Elementary–Elementary: $25
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Late Elementary–Intermediate: $35
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Late Intermediate–Advanced: $45
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Optional 15-minute Teacher Conference: $25
Participation Guidelines
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Repertoire and performance requirements are the same as for in-person adjudications.
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After registration and payment, teachers and students will receive instructions for submitting videos, programs, and scores.
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Students must use an original score. For purchased digital music, the PDF must display the “authorized for use” notice, and this notice must also be visible in the student's video.
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Public-domain scores from IMSLP are permitted.
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Music Copyright Guidelines
According to clarification provided by MTNA, a PDF copy of a score may be sent to an adjudicator when:
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The student owns a legitimate printed or digital copy of the music.
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The PDF is used only for adjudication and is deleted afterward.
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The PDF is not distributed to any other individuals.
Please ensure all submitted materials comply with these requirements.
MEET OUR ADJUDICATOR
My name is Esther Haag
I have been playing the piano for 15 years. I grew up in Berthoud, Colorado on a small family farm with the parents and six siblings. I started taking piano lessons when I was eight, and soon after decided to pursue a piano career. Upon graduating high school I moved to Missouri for college.
I received my bachelors degree from College of the Ozarks in Piano Performance and Pedagogy.
I started teaching piano my Junior year in college, and have since enjoyed getting to use my major. I’m an instructor at Mountain Sound Piano Studio and at my home studio in Eagle River and currently working on receiving a masters degree in music education.
I recently got married to my husband, Nathan, who is an active duty Army officer stationed at JBER.
Aside from teaching and playing piano, I also enjoy running, sewing, and baking. I am also an officer in the National Guard, and stationed at JBER.