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Call For Proposals

The 54th Annual NFA Convention
Origins: Celebrating Trailblazing and Discovery
Portland, OR

August 6th - 9th, 2026


Origins: Celebrating Trailblazing & Discovery:

 

Our 2026 convention will take place in Portland, Oregon, a destination that represents westward expansion, hopes, and dreams. We want to honor origins, the products of imagination, and what has come to life in the hands of trailblazers throughout the world. We also want to celebrate the pathways of the flute in America, as we celebrate the semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the United States.

Proposals must be submitted by Wednesday, October 1st at 11:59pm Central US Time. The online proposal form will be published no later than September 3rd. 

Proposals 101 - Online Info Session

We will hold an informative online session on Tuesday, September 9th at 7pm Central US Time. In this session, NFA representatives will walk attendees through the proposal process, discuss how to craft a strong proposal, and answer your questions. This event is free and open to all. 

Register to Attend

2026 Program Team:

Daniel Pardo_Crop

Daniel Pardo

Program Chair

Ana Paola Rincones_Crop

Ana Paola Rincones

Assistant Program Chair


Proposal Guidelines & Instructions:

We welcome proposals in the following categories:
  • Solo Performance (flute alone; flute + other performer, including keyboard, electronics, percussion or any other instrument)
  • Chamber Music (groups of 2-5 players in any instrumental configuration. Note that groups of 6 or more flutes is considered a flute choir - see below)
  • Workshop
  • Lecture
  • Lecture Recital
  • Warm-up Session
  • Sight-reading Session
  • Panel
  • Poster Presentation

You must be an NFA member to submit a proposalClick here to join or renew your membership.

While complete recitals will be considered, we encourage members to submit proposals that include single works that can be programmed in shared recitals. You will have the option to add up to 5 works; there is no guarantee that all proposed works will be accepted. If you are submitting a panel, lecture, workshop, or poster presentation, there is no need to add works.  

Please also note that we are no longer accepting gala concerto proposals for the 2026 convention. 

Special Note for Flute Choirs (6+ flutists): Flute Choir proposals will be accepted through a separate Flute Ensemble Festival application, which will be published later in the year. Do not use this form to apply for the Flute Ensemble Festival. The deadline for Flute Choir proposals via the Flute Ensemble Festival is November 18, 2025.


Performance Proposals: A recording of your playing is required for each work on your proposal. Provide a working link such as YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, or Dropbox. Access must be set so that anyone with a link can view the video or files. A recording of your playing the proposed work is preferred, if the piece is not a newly commissioned work.

Panel/Lectures/Workshops: May include detailed outlines, videos of prior presentations, or PowerPoint presentations shared via a working link such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, or Dropbox. Access must be set so that anyone with a link can view the files. 

Warm-up/Sight-reading session: Please include a detailed outline including repertoire, skill level, participants target, thematic topics, and accurate timing for your session. Supplemental materials can be shared via a working link such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, or Dropbox. Access must be set so that anyone with a link can view the files. 

Poster Presentation: Posters selected for display will represent the best flute-related research and investigation. The visual format of the poster allows researchers to display their concepts succinctly and invite conversation. At specific times during the convention, authors will be present to discuss their work with attendees. More information on poster formats and production will be provided.

AV Requirements: There will be limited audio and video resources available for your presentation. Be specific on your needs below and list everything you need in the application. You are responsible for bringing adapters to connect to the hotel/convention center equipment and all other equipment needed for the session. A personal laptop computer is the recommended method of playing audio files, video files, and using PowerPoint on this equipment. The NFA cannot provide laptops or iPads. Download all pertinent materials to your computer and exclusively present from there. Do not depend solely on the conference center's WIFI for internet access, as NFA cannot ensure its reliability or speed, even with paid access. On site printing is not provided by the NFA. NOTE: The NFA cannot provide a tech to run your audio and video needs. Please make sure that you are either able to run it yourself or that you bring someone that can assist you.

Performer Bios: You are required to submit all performer bios (including your pianist) with your proposal form. Bios must be <500 characters. Please prepare these bios before beginning your proposal. 

Supplemental Materials: You can share with us any supplemental materials that support your proposal, including presentations, images, brochures, workshop/lecture outlines, etc. Provide supplemental files via working links to YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, or Dropbox. Access must be set so that anyone with a link can view the files or videos. Please note that if you plan to use handouts in your proposed session, you must upload these handouts after your proposal is accepted. The NFA will contact you with instructions for sharing your handouts.

Accessibility: The NFA is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of all convention participants. Presenters whose proposals are accepted will be asked if they have accessibility needs as part of the session confirmation process so that NFA may provide the necessary support.


Additional Guidelines:

  • Each NFA member may submit up to three proposals, but each must be in a different category. For example, an applicant may submit one solo performance, one chamber performance, and one lecture, but not two solo performances and one lecture. Failure to abide by these specifications will result in disqualification of the additional proposals. Please note that it is common for only a portion of the proposal to be accepted.
  • NFA committees may submit up to five proposals. These must reflect the mission and goals of the committee. Committee proposals that represent the interests of an individual committee member will not be reviewed or accepted.
  • Proposals submitted may not be commercial in nature. They may not promote a specific product or service.
  • You must be an NFA member to submit a proposal. Click here to join or renew your membership.
  • If you have date restrictions during the 2026 Convention (example: your chamber group is only available Thurs-Fri), please make a note somewhere in your application. While the NFA will try to honor your request, we cannot guarantee that you will receive your requested date. 

Questions?

If you have any questions or problems with your proposal, please email Mily Harrod, NFA Membership Manager, at mharrod@nfaonline.org