Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival

Begun in 1980 by Dorothy Sutton, the Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival (DSPF) is an opportunity for the talented music student to participate in a Local Festival, Local Honors Recital and State Showcase Recitals. Students audition for an adjudicator in the Local Festival and demonstrate knowledge of music theory through a written exam.

PMTA has introduced a new online registration system for the local festivals. Please read information thoroughly for registration process changes from other years.

Please be sure to read ALL the information before entering the festival.

Student Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival, students must be actively studying with an LMTA member.

Participants are required to perform two contrasting pieces from memory, demonstrating technical proficiency and artistic expression.

Students who achieve a 'Superior' rating at the Local Preliminary Festival earn the honor of advancing to the State Showcase.

The festival welcomes students of all levels—from elementary through high school—providing a supportive environment for musical growth and professional evaluation.

Requirements for Teachers

Read the Teacher Information document.

View Registration Instructions document for registration instructions.

The Registration Instructions contain detailed guidance for both the local auditions and the state recital.

Read the Student Information document.
Send the Parent Permission Form to parents.

See that all registration forms are completed and fees paid in the registration process listed below. Registration will open on the PMTA website in late August.

Work with fellow teachers for an assigned shift during the festival.

Teachers must be at their posts for their entire shift unless providing an accompaniment for an instrumental or vocal student during their audition.

If a teacher cannot be present, they must provide an acceptable adult substitute.

Registration Process

Step 1: Application

Teachers complete the PMTA form for each student.

Information needed:

Student birthday, grade, years studied, titles and composers of the two pieces, and playing time for each piece.

Step 2: Fee Submission

The PMTA form will direct you to pay the fees for all of your students at one time.

Step 3: Parent Permission

Send the Parent Permission Form link to each student's responsible adult.

They must complete the form prior to the festival.

Print and fill out a Photocopy Release Form if your student will be using a printed digital copy or photocopied piece of music. This must accompany the student's music at the festival.

Step 4: Photocopied Music

Results and Awards

Adjudication ratings and theory scores will be tallied and available at the end of the festival day.

Teachers receive their students’ rating sheets and theory exams after the festival. These provide opportunities for further discussion and growth in the lessons that follow.

Students who receive a Superior rating and a theory exam score of 85% or higher are eligible for two honors opportunities:

Local Honors Recital
October 11, 2026
2:00 and 3:30
Elizabethtown College

Hosted by LMTA. Students perform their best piece, as chosen by the adjudicator, and receive an award from LMTA.

Online registration will become available after the festival.
Registration will be open October 4 - 5.
State Showcase Recital

Saturday, November 7, 2026
Elizabethtown College