Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival (DSPF)

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.

  • Piano, vocal, or instrumental student of a PMTA/LMTA member.

    Any age welcome.

    Must prepare 2 pieces of music that meet the performance requirements, and be prepared to take a theory exam at a level chosen by the teacher.

    Piano Practice Tests can be found on the PMTA website.

  • Prepare two repertoire pieces at least 16 measures in length, not counting repeats.

    Pieces must adhere to the requirements listed on the PMTA website.

  • 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 all information documents for complete festival details.

    Student Information document
    Parent Permission Form (send to parents)

    See that all registration forms are completed and fees paid in the registration process listed below.

    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 will be open on the PMTA website in late August.

    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.

    Parents complete the Parent Permission Form.

    The Photocopy Release form is to be included if applicable.

  • 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:

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

    2. State Showcase Recital
      Hosted by Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association.
      Students perform their best piece, as chosen by the adjudicator, and receive an award from PMTA.

Local festival auditions

Sunday, October 4, 2026
1:00-4:30 p.m.
Elizabethtown College

Local Honors Recital

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

Online registration will become available after the festival in Member Resources under Student Performance Events. Registration will be available October 4 - 5.

Students must have earned a Superior rating and an 85% or higher on the theory exam to qualify for the Honors Recital.

State showcase recital

Saturday, November 7, 2026
Elizabethtown College

Register at https://www.pamusicteachers.org/activities/dorothy-sutton-performance-festival/ 

Students must have earned a Superior rating and an 85% or higher on the theory exam to qualify for the State Showcase.