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Piccolo Artist Competition

The biennial Piccolo Artist Competition is for outstanding players of the piccolo. Six semifinalists will be selected to compete at the 2026 NFA Convention in Portland based on their recorded audition. Three of the semifinalists will then be chosen to perform in a convention recital. The NFA will provide a pianist for the semifinal and final rounds.

Cash prizes of $1500, $750, and $400 will be awarded to the finalists, as well as $100 to each semifinalist not chosen as a finalist. A $100 award will be given to the competition finalist who gives the best performance of the newly commissioned work.

Previous first-place winners of this competition are ineligible to compete.

Competition Requirements*

  • AGE REQUIREMENT: All entrants must be 30 years of age or younger by the last day of the convention. Entrants may be required to show proof of age.
  • All flutists must be current NFA members at the time the entry is submitted. If chosen to perform or present during the convention, flutists must also be current members at the time of the convention and register for the convention by July 1, 2026. To join or renew, go to nfaonline.org/signup.
  • Completed entry
  • Uploaded files
  • $65 entry fee (paid during submission process)
  • Previous first-place winners of this competition are ineligible to compete.

All entrants must submit their entry, upload recordings/supplemental materials, and pay competition and membership fees by 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time, Thursday, February 12th, 2026.

Recorded Round Repertoire

Each piece should be uploaded as a separate file in the following order. Movements may be uploaded separately if you choose. All uploaded files must be audio recordings. No videos are allowed. Recorded Round repertoire that has a piano part must be recorded with piano accompaniment. 

  • Allison Loggins-Hull, Say Can You for piccolo and electronics (Flutronix edition)
  • Vivaldi, Concerto in C RV 443(Any edition)
    • I. Allegro
    • II. Largo
    • No repeats. Ornaments at the performers’ discretion.

Semifinal Round Repertoire

  • Vivaldi, Concerto in C RV 443 (Any edition)
    • III. Allegro Molto (No repeats)
    • No repeats. Ornaments at the performers’ discretion.
  • Ken Benshoof, Concerto in three movements (ALRY edition)
    • Movement 1
  • NFA 2026 Newly Commissioned Work

Final Round Repertoire

  • Finalists' choice

Each finalist shall create a program demonstrating artistic maturity, technical and tonal qualities, and knowledge of program design and balance excluding any repetitions of recorded round or semifinal round repertoire. However, since repertoire for the piccolo is limited, keyboard reductions for concerti will be allowed, as well as one piccolo transcription, if desired. Each program should be a maximum of 25 minutes (including time between movements, pieces, applause, ect.). Please time your program carefully, as all finalists will be stopped after 25 minutes. Final round repertoire, including titles, movements, exact timings, composer's dates, and publishers must accompany the application. Finalists will be bound by their original selections. 

* Competitions are subject to all rules and regulations on this page as well as the General Competition Information and Rules and Regulations. Incomplete entries will be subject to disqualification.

Coordinator

Amy Likar
amy@amylikar.com

Those entering this competition may also may also be eligible to apply for the Frances Blaisdell Scholarship, which provides $1500 toward NFA convention expenses.