Scholarships and Grants
OMTA offers approximately 20 competitive scholarships for students studying piano, strings, voice and composition, as well as need-based grants.
Competitive OMTA Scholarships
The 2026 Competitive OMTA Scholarships will take place at Portland Piano Company on Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31, 2026. Scholarship details are posted below, and applications are made in Regista.
Competitive scholarships require a student audition. The student must be studying with an active member of OMTA. Unless otherwise stated, repertoire requirements are three memorized compositions from three contrasting periods. Concerti movements are not allowed for pianists unless specifically required. Repertoire repeated from any previous year is not allowed.
Students need to bring original scores to the adjudication with the measures numbered. No photocopies will be accepted. Repertoire change requests will be considered up to 14 days prior to the audition date. String, voice, and concerto students must supply their own accompanists.
Students may enter only one scholarship audition per year and may not enter the same one again if they received first place in that award in any previous year.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes are available unless a scholarship specifies otherwise. Award amounts vary with cash available in OMTA investment accounts and are subject to change depending on funds available.
Safety Protocols
This is a one-person-at-a-time event. No audience will be allowed in the room with the student and judges. Judges will be more than six feet away from the student performing.
No masks required.
Beginning in 2026, all scholarship audition results will be posted on the teachers’ dashboard no later than the Wednesday following the competition, rather than being announced at the venue immediately after each event. For this year, results will be posted by June 3, 2026.
Instrumental and Collaborative Scholarships
Voice Scholarships
Piano Scholarships
Application for Competitive Scholarships
Application will be made through the OMTA Regista system.
Questions? Contact Irene Huang, NCTM or Leslie Chen.
Need-Based Grants
These non-audition grants of up to $1,000 per student benefit music students with financial need. Students must be studying with a member of OMTA. Decisions are based on need, the student’s dedication to learning, and their willingness to share talents with their community.
Afton Alder Grant (piano only) — Information and Application
Betty Balmer Grant (any instrument or voice) — Information and Application
Jane Thomas Grant (piano only) — Information and Application
Questions? Contact Laura Davis, (503) 312-1162.
Composition Scholarship
Since 2019, OMTA is honored to offer the Daniel Brugh Composition Scholarship. This annual award recognizes one emerging student composer each year. More information available below.
Questions? Contact Paul Safar.