The Central Ohio Flute Association (COFA) at The Ohio State University has announced details for its 43rd Annual Flute Festival Competition, to be held on March 7, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. This long-standing event has become a cornerstone for aspiring flutists, offering a stage for excellence in performance and artistry across multiple divisions.
Competition Divisions and Prizes
The COFA Flute Festival Competition recognizes outstanding talent in four divisions, with generous cash prizes awarded to the winners:
- Junior High Division – $200
- Senior High Division – $300
- Collegiate Division – $400
- Young Artist Division – $500
Each division is carefully structured to support flutists at different stages of their musical journey — from middle school students through undergraduate and young professional levels.
Eligibility
- Young Artist Division: Up to 30 years old as of March 7, 2026
- Collegiate Division: Full-time undergraduates, age 23 or under
- Senior Division: Grades 10–12
- Junior Division: Grades 6–9
Audition Procedures
Applicants are required to submit unedited audio-only recordings for the preliminary round, including the designated required piece. Submissions must be combined into a single track and received by January 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
From these submissions, three flutists in each division will be invited to the Final Round on March 7 at Ohio State. Finalists will present a short program, including their required selection. Time limits range from 10 minutes (Junior Division) to 20 minutes (Collegiate and Young Artist Divisions).
Repertoire Highlights
Each division features a required work for the recorded round and one for the final round, ensuring a balance between standard repertoire and newer contributions to the flute canon:
- Junior Division: Gabriel Fauré – Morceau de Concours (recorded); Émile Pessard – Andalouse (final)
- Senior Division: Adolphus Hailstork – Flute Set (recorded); Valerie Coleman – Legends (Lin-Fa and El Encierro only, final)
- Collegiate Division: Libby Larsen – Aubade for Solo Flute (recorded); Amanda Harberg – Court Dances (III. Tambourin Only, final)
- Young Artist Division: Michael Colquhoun – Charanga (recorded); Olivier Messiaen – Le Merle Noir (final)
This thoughtfully curated repertoire ensures that contestants engage with a blend of French classics, contemporary American works, and pieces that challenge both technical precision and expressive depth.
Collaborative Pianists
Finalists may bring their own pianists or hire one provided by COFA for an additional fee. Due to time constraints, repertoire substitutions are discouraged.
Application Details
- Application fee: $40 (check or money order payable to “COFA” or “Central Ohio Flute Association”)
- Deadline: January 9, 2026 (application form and fee must be received by this date)
A Platform for Growth
For more than four decades, the Central Ohio Flute Association has fostered an environment where young flutists can grow, connect, and celebrate the artistry of the flute. The annual competition continues to attract participants from across the country, providing invaluable performance experience and recognition.
Flutists seeking to share their artistry on a respected stage — and perhaps take home a cash prize — are encouraged to apply for the 2026 COFA Flute Festival Competition.
Application Deadline: January 9, 2026
For complete details and downloadable application materials, visit http://org.osu.edu/cofa/.
