FCMTA Student Events 2025-2026

FCMTA proudly sponsors a variety of student events each year and extends sincere appreciation to our teachers for their support and assistance on event days. These events provide students with meaningful opportunities to perform, grow in confidence, and share music with the community.

From festive recitals to adjudicated festivals and outreach programs, each event enriches both the student experience and our broader musical community.

October 25, 2025 — FCMTA Halloween Recitals
Recitals for students to perform Halloween-themed music
Parent Registration Deadline:

December 7, 2025 – FCMTA Holiday Cafe
Community Outreach event, held at a local coffee shop in an “Open Mic” format for students to share music with the community.
Registration Deadline: November 23, 2025

February 14, 2026 — MSMTA Keyboard Musicianship Testing
Maryland State keyboard musicianship testing program. See MSMTA.org.
Registration Deadline: Online registration and fee due by January 2, 2026.

March 7, 2026 — FCMTA Sonatina/Sonata Festival
Festival for students to perform two pieces, one of which is a sonatina or sonata, in a formal recital setting and receive written comments and evaluation from an adjudicator.
Parent Registration Deadline: February 7, 2026

March 21, 2026 — MSMTA Music Theory Testing
Maryland State theory testing program. See MSMTA.org.
Registration Deadline: Online registration and fees to MSMTA by February 6, 2026 (Frederick Center)

March 28, 2026 — Recital at Buckingham’s Choice Senior Living Center
An outreach recital bringing music to enrich the lives of local seniors. Students share their music in a supportive community environment.
Parent Registration Deadline: March 7, 2026

April 26, 2026 — FCMTA Ensemble Festival (Sunday afternoon)
Festival for students to perform duets, trios, or any collaboration/combinations of instruments and voice.
Registration Deadline: April 4, 2026

May 16, 2026 — Teacher Studio Recitals
Individual studio or combined recitals under the FCMTA umbrella
Registration Deadline: Contact Bobbie Rastall at least one month prior to recital date.

The hosting of student events will be in accordance with the Frederick County Health Department recommended guidelines, in accordance with the recommended Center for Disease Control (CDC) considerations, and venue requirements.  These will be continually evaluated throughout the year and decisions will be made with the health and safety of students, families, and teachers as the priority.

Halloween Recitals
Saturday, October 25, 2025

Our Halloween Recitals are entry-level recitals for young students. Students perform Halloween-themed or “spooky” music in a relaxed recital setting.

Memorization is not required.
Students are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. (Please no GLITTER!)
Certificates of participation are awarded

Fee: $15 per student
Parent Registration Deadline: September 27, 2025

Click here for more information.

FCMTA Holiday Cafe
December 7, 2025

Community Outreach event, held at a local coffee shop in an “Open Mic” format for students to share music with the community.

Registration Deadline: November 23, 2025

Further information coming soon!

MSMTA Keyboard Musicianship Testing
February 8, 2025

A statewide MSMTA program evaluating students’ musicianship and keyboard skills, with one event held in Frederick County.

Fee: $15.00 per student level
Registration Deadline: Online registration and fee due by January 2, 2026.

Further information coming soon!

Sonatina/Sonata Festival
March 7, 2026

An adjudicated festival where students perform one sonatina or sonata movement together with one contrasting piece. Both selections must be memorized, with the teacher determining the appropriate level of difficulty. Certificates of Participation are awarded and the adjudicator's comments are given to the teachers.

Fee: $20.00 per student
Parent Registration Deadline: February 7, 2026

Further information coming soon!

MSMTA Theory Testing
March 21, 2026

The MSMTA Theory Testing is a statewide program, with one event held in Frederick County. Students are assessed in music theory, ear training, sight reading, and related skills, as outlined in the MSMTA Student Activities Portal

Fee: $15.00 per student level
Registration Deadline: February 6, 2026

Further information coming soon!

Senior Living Center Performances
March 28, 2026

The Senior Living Recital offers students a relaxed, non-competitive opportunity to share their music with senior residents in the Frederick area. The goal of this event is to share the joy of music and the presence of children with senior residents.

Parent Registration Deadline: February 15, 2026

Further information coming soon!

Ensemble Festival
April 26, 2026

The Ensemble Festival is a series of non-adjudicated recitals featuring ensemble performances. At least one performer in each group must be a student of a current FCMTA teacher, and parents, teachers, and friends are welcome to participate. Students may perform up to two pieces within the allotted time, and memorization is not required. Students of FCMTA teachers may also be invited to join a Group Ensemble Class between recitals, which could include fun activities and improvised ensemble performances

Fee:$15.00 fee will be charged for each ensemble performance.
Parent Registration Deadline: April 4, 2026

Further information coming soon!

Teacher Studio Recital Day
May 16, 2026

FCMTA teachers may schedule spring recitals in a shared venue, with assigned times, optional joint recitals, and insurance covered under the MSMTA umbrella

Fee:TBD - Rental costs for the venue will be split among participating teachers.
Parent Registration Deadline: Teachers must contact Bobbie Rastall to request time at least one month in advance.

Further information coming soon!

Student Master Class
Date: TBD

The Student Master Class gives each enrolled student the opportunity to perform in a recital format for their peers and a Guest Master. After each performance, the Guest Master provides a short lesson and offers constructive insights to help improve the student’s playing. Teachers and fellow students are invited to observe and benefit from the Master’s comments.

Fee:TBD
Registration Deadline:TBD

Further information coming soon!