The Southwestern Youth Music Festival is a music competition that is offered once a year and runs two weekends (five days) in the Summer, usually the last weekend of July and first weekend of August. Only teachers who join may enter students. There are categories for piano, strings (violin, viola and cello) and winds (flute, clarinet). Categories vary from solo works, duets, ensembles and many are set up to accomodate the age and level of the student. The Young Musicians category gives the first place winner the opportunity to perform with the Festival Orchestra conducted by Dr. Frances Steiner. Complete information is in the Rules and Regulations booklet (contact us for purchasing information).

SYMF offers, through its competitive programs, incentive to study music. Briefly:

1. First Place winners in Young Pianist, Young Violinist/Violist, Young Flutist/Clarinetist and Young Cellist categories may be invited to appear as soloists with our Festival Orchestra under Dr. Frances Steiner.
2. Piano Open categories for Concerto, Classic Complete Work, Solo, American, Baroque, Chopin, Duo/Duet, Ensemble and Young Chamber Musician.
3. Piano Qualified categories for Concerto, Classic Complete Work, Solo, American, Baroque, Chopin, Duet, Duo/Duet and Ensemble.
4. Continuing competitive opportunities for both Piano Open and Piano Qualified entrants performing music written by composers born in Latin America.
5. Strings categories for Solo, Baroque, American, Duet, Chamber Music.
6. Wind categories for Solo, Baroque, American, Duet, Chamber Music.
7. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Place trophies with personalized nameplates.
8. Paid job opportunities as Room Captains for students age 16 and older.