Participating in the WMTA District Auditions is one of your primary benefits of MAME
membership. These auditions, sponsored by the Wisconsin Music Teachers Association and supported by MAME, are held in March of each year, and are designed to encourage music students at all ages and levels. Many of the participants are piano students, but string, voice, and even organ students participate. WMTA allows ensembles of up to ten instruments/voice/piano. Students can choose memorized or non-memorized at any age and level. The most ambitious students choose the State Keyboard / Regional track, which involves three memorized pieces and a minimum theory test level. Those who qualify progress to WMTA Regional (Madison students must participate in the South Region). The Regional first place winners in grades 7-12 move on to the WMTA State Piano Competition. Full information can be found on the WMTA website.
Though the deadline to sign up takes place in February, we urge you to start preparing in the fall. There are many possible entry categories that include playing memorized or non-memorized music (at all levels) and playing either two or three pieces. Students must prepare pieces of contrasting styles and perform for a judge. All participants take a level-appropriate theory exam, administered by each teacher before auditions. Since this event is under the WMTA umbrella, students who cannot attend Madison auditions can apply to a different district audition. (Contact the district chair in the city you hope to audition in to see if they can accommodate your students. That list is available here.) A parent or guardian needs to sit in (silently!) on each audition.
We have a dedicated committee who provides critical assistance in ensuring the date runs smoothly — Jennifer Zuhlke (volunteers), Cynthia Stephan (theory), Amy Hansel (awards). All participating teachers are required to volunteer on the day of the event. All new teachers are especially encouraged to consult the WMTA website, or email the WMTA District co-chairs John Scoville or Denise Taylor.
Important dates for WMTA District Auditions:
-February 27, 2026: Deadline to sign students up and pay the fee
-March 28, 2026: WMTA District Auditions at Mead Witter School of Music, UW-Madison
-May 9, 2026: WMTA Regional (South) competition at UW-Parkside
-May 16, 2026: WMTA State Piano Competition at UW-Stevens Point
District Chairs: Denise Taylor and John Scoville
districtauds@madisonmusiceducators.org