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.

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.

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

    Pieces must adhere to the requirements listed in the Student Information document.

  • Read all information documents for complete festival details.
    Teacher Information
    Student Information
    Festival Day Student Details

    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.

  • Parents/Guardians register their children using the Parent Local Registration Form. Please share this link with families as well as the Student Information and Festival Day Details.

    Teachers complete the Student Local Registration Form for each student. Information needed: Student age, grade, years studied, titles and composers of the two pieces, and playing time for each piece.

    Teachers complete the Teacher Local Registration Form.

    Teachers complete a Rating Sheet for each student and a Photocopy Release (if applicable) and mail them, along with a check to cover all student registration fees, to the address indicated in the Teacher Information document.

  • 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 6, 2024
1:00-4:30 p.m.
Millersville University, Winter Visual & Performing Arts Center
60 W Cottage Ave, Millersville 17551

Local Honors Recital

October 13, 2024
Millersville University, Winter Visual & Performing Arts Center, Biemesderfer Hall

Online registration will become available after the festival in Member Resources under Student Performance Events.

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 9, 2024 
Lebanon Valley College, Annville 

Online registration will become available to teachers on the PMTA website on October 14, 2024.

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