Helen Niedung Scholarship Competition
WHEN Saturday March 7, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
WHERE Cypress Lakes Presbyterian Church, 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL. 33919.
REGISTRATION FORM Download here
WHERE Cypress Lakes Presbyterian Church, 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL. 33919.
REGISTRATION FORM Download here
RULES and REGULATIONS
The Southwest Florida Music Teachers Association is proud to offer the following scholarship
opportunities to talented music students in grades 1-12 in public or private schools or home-schools;
PRIZES
DIVISIONS
High School (Seniors) 9-12: 15 Minutes
Middle School (Juniors) 6-8: 12 Minutes
Elementary School 3-5: 10 Minutes
Early Elementary School 1-2: 6 minutes
Repertoire/Music
The competition schedule will be e-mailed to teachers of applicants. Teachers are to notify their
students of arrival and performance times and the music they are to bring to the competition.
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early in the event of a previous cancellation. Warm-up rooms
are available for early arrivals.
Deadline Spring 2026, February 25, 2026
Fees for Students of SWFMTA MEMBERS
Fees for NON-MEMBERS of SWFMTA Double the above rates
Include with Application the fees payable to SWFMTA
Mail your check and application form to:
Dr. Anne McLean
7664 Oleander Gate Drive
# 201
Naples, FL 34109
The Southwest Florida Music Teachers Association is proud to offer the following scholarship
opportunities to talented music students in grades 1-12 in public or private schools or home-schools;
PRIZES
- 1st ($500) and 2nd place ($300) scholarship awards for Seniors (Grades 9-12) students in Piano, Voice, or Instrumental. (When there are entrants for both Strings and Winds, scholarships will be divided)
- 1st ($250) and 2nd place ($125) scholarship awards for Juniors (Grades 6-8) students.
- The “Corella Stahl Scholarship” 1st place ($50), and 2nd place ($25) awards are offered to Elementary Grades 3-6 piano only. This award was established in 2009 to honor our founding SWFMTA member and former President.
- The Hugh McLean prize is offered to Early Elementary Students, established in 2025 in memory of Dr. Anne McLean’s late husband. 1st place ($30) and 2nd place ($15)
DIVISIONS
High School (Seniors) 9-12: 15 Minutes
Middle School (Juniors) 6-8: 12 Minutes
Elementary School 3-5: 10 Minutes
Early Elementary School 1-2: 6 minutes
- To compete in a Division, competitors must be enrolled in one of the school grades.
- Proof of enrollment in the competing grade must be provided if requested.
- Previous 1st place winners may enter again, but in the next level up from the one they had 1st place.
- Performers who exceed the time limit will be stopped but not disqualified.
Repertoire/Music
- Music must include two selections of classical repertoire, from two contrasting eras. Applicants must provide an original PUBLISHED copy of music for the judges. Measures MUST be NUMBERED.
- No photocopies are allowed except for accompanists. No cuts are permitted, and no popular music. Repeats are discretionary within time limits. Voice applicants may choose one of their two selections from a Musical.
- All selections must be performed by memory, except for instrumentalists. Applicants must arrange for their own accompanist, when needed. Elementary Division music should represent the age and ability- appropriate repertoire.
- The panel of judges will adjudicate with written comments. Judges will consider stage presence as well as musicality and technique. If performance standards in a Category do not justify an award, no award is given.
- Dressy clothing, no excessively short skirts or dresses. Shirts and trousers for boys, and appropriate shoes is expected.
- Saturday starts at 9:00 a.m. at Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church, Fort Myers. There will be facilities and waiting areas for parents.
The competition schedule will be e-mailed to teachers of applicants. Teachers are to notify their
students of arrival and performance times and the music they are to bring to the competition.
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early in the event of a previous cancellation. Warm-up rooms
are available for early arrivals.
Deadline Spring 2026, February 25, 2026
Fees for Students of SWFMTA MEMBERS
- Seniors $25.00
- Juniors $20.00
- All Elementary $15.00
Fees for NON-MEMBERS of SWFMTA Double the above rates
Include with Application the fees payable to SWFMTA
Mail your check and application form to:
Dr. Anne McLean
7664 Oleander Gate Drive
# 201
Naples, FL 34109
