OMTA offers approximately 20 competitive scholarships for students studying piano, strings, voice and composition, as well as need-based grants.

Competitive OMTA Scholarships

The Competitive OMTA Scholarships will take place this year at Portland Piano Company as an in-person event with safety protocols in place (see below). The dates are Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12, 2024, with the postmark deadline of March 29.

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.

Results will be announced at the end of each audition. Each student will also receive a written evaluation of their performance from our judges.

Instrumental and Collaborative Scholarships
Voice Scholarships
Piano Scholarships

See below for composition scholarship information.

Application for Competitive Scholarships

Scholarship Audition Fees, Requirements and Application

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

Beginning in 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.

Composition Scholarship

Questions? Contact Daniel A. Brugh.