Young Artist Competition 2026
Prelims Application Deadline : March 15th, 2026
Final Round : April 11th, 2026
Flutists aged 18 to 30 are invited to compete in the Upper Midwest Flute Association (UMFA) Young Artist Competition. For 2026, the competition is open to flutists and students from any location in the U.S. Preliminary auditions are by video recording. Finals will be held on Saturday, April 11th, 2026 at UMFA Flute Fest in Maplewood, Minnesota.
Winners will receive cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $300.
Requirements:
1. Applicants must be current members of the Upper Midwest Flute Association. If you are not currently a member, please join UMFA before applying.
2. The competition fee is $45. This fee is in addition to the UMFA membership fee.
3. For the live final round, finalists are responsible for hiring an accompanist and paying them directly.
4. The competition is open to flutists ages 18 to 30 who have not reached their 31st birthday by April 11th, 2026.
5. Finalists must be available to perform on April 11, 2026, at the UMFA Flute Fest in Maplewood, Minnesota. Travel, accommodations and Flute Fest Registration must be paid by the participant.
Preliminary Repertoire:
Mozart Concerto in G Major (Exposition Only)
Contrasting piece of your choice
Applicants will submit a YouTube link to their unedited audition video of two works. Recordings will be coded and sent to a panel of judges. Please also include a short biography with your registration. Applicants will receive notification of preliminary competition results by the deadline: March 15h, 2026.
Each finalist will perform a live 30-minute program in Maplewood, MN on April 11, 2026, as part of Flute Fest.
Finals Repertoire:
Adolphus Hailstork – Yuhwa
Contrasting Work(s) of your choice
For questions regarding the Young Artist Competition, please contact president@umfaflutes.org