Central PA Music Teachers Association

Triolo Competition

Who was Phyllis Triolo?

Phyllis Triolo was a beloved concert pianist, lecturer, teacher, and long-time member of the Central Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association. After her passing on July 13, 1984, CPMTA established this competition in her memory with the support of the State College Music Guild, the Nittany Valley Symphony, and Penn State’s Music Department.

Since the first event on May 18, 1985, the Phyllis Triolo Competition has provided young musicians across Central Pennsylvania with the opportunity to perform, grow artistically, and be recognized for their achievements. Winners have represented many instruments (for e.g., classical guitar, cello, violin, flute, piano, and voice, etc.), with past champions coming from communities as far as Williamsport and Harrisburg.

About the Competition

The Phyllis Triolo Competition is open to talented middle and high school students from across Central Pennsylvania. Contestants perform in a public recital before a panel of judges, gaining valuable experience in performance and artistry.

DIVISIONS
  • Junior Division: Grades 6–8
  • Senior Division: Grades 9–12

Rules & Repertoire

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

Students must live in one of the following counties: Centre, Lycoming, Blair, Clearfield, Clinton, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Snyder, or Union.

ELIGIBILITY

Past first-prize winners may not compete again in the same division. Teachers will not judge their own students.
Maximum of 32 contestants, accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

INSTRUMENTS

Open to piano, voice, and orchestral instruments.

REPERTOIRE

Perform two contrasting pieces from different musical eras (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary).

Pianists: Both pieces must be performed from memory. Only original solo compositions are permitted.

Non-pianists: One piece must be memorized. Solo unaccompanied works may be performed if composed as such; otherwise, works must be accompanied by a pianist. No recorded accompaniments.

SCORES

One original and two copies must be provided for the judges.

PERFORMANCE TIME

Maximum of 12 minutes.

(No practice time is allowed on the competition piano.)
Click to see examples of previously performed repertoire
  • Bach: Prelude in B-flat Major (WTC, Book 1)
  • Chopin: Scherzo in B-flat minor
  • Debussy: Clair de Lune
  • Brahms: Feldeinsamkeit (voice)
  • Schumann: Fantasiestücke, Op. 73 (cello)
  • Bach: Allemande from Partita No. 2 (violin)
  • Quilter: Dream Valley (voice)
  • Joplin: Elite Syncopations (violin)
  • Popp: Hungarian Dance (flute)
  • Bloch: Suite Hebraic (viola)

Prizes

Awards will be presented in each division:

  • 🥇 First Prize — $300
  • 🥈 Second Prize — $200
  • 🥉 Third Prize — $100 (sometimes but not always awarded)

All prizes awarded at the discretion of the judges.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: April, 2026 (exact date TBA)
Competition Date: May 2026 (exact date TBA)
Awards Ceremony: Immediately following each division’s performances on the competition date.