The 40th Annual Myrna W. Brown Artist Competition is set to take place on May 18, 2025, offering flutists from around the world the opportunity to compete at one of the most prestigious flute competitions in the United States. Hosted by the Texas Flute Society, this event is unique in its open eligibility, allowing flutists of all ages and backgrounds to participate.
With no age limit, the competition attracts some of the finest flute players, who will compete for a grand prize of $1,200, as well as the honor of performing as a guest artist at the 2026 Texas Flute Festival. Second and third-place winners will receive $500 and $250, respectively.
This long-standing competition continues to honor the legacy of Myrna W. Brown, a distinguished flutist, educator, and co-founder of the Texas Flute Society, by celebrating artistry, musical excellence, and dedication to the flute.
Competition Structure & Repertoire
The Myrna W. Brown Artist Competition consists of three rounds, carefully designed to assess a flutist’s technical ability, musicality, and artistic interpretation.
Preliminary Round (Recorded Submission)
Competitors must submit recordings of the following repertoire:
- Yuhwa – Adolphus Hailstork
- Piece for Solo Flute – Jacques Ibert
- Fantasia No. 10 in F# Minor – G.P. Telemann (with ornaments)
This round is entirely recorded and serves as the first selection process. Flutists must adhere to strict recording guidelines, ensuring that submissions reflect authentic and unedited performances.
Semi-Final Round (Live Performance)
Flutists who advance to the semi-finals will prepare a 15-minute program of their own choosing, featuring a diverse selection of repertoire from different styles and periods. This round does not include the commissioned work required for the finals.
Final Round (Live Performance)
Finalists will perform a 25-minute program, including the newly commissioned work written specifically for the 2025 Myrna W. Brown Competition.
- The commissioned work will be provided upon semi-finalist notification and must be included in the final program.
- Repertoire from previous rounds may be repeated, but flutists can also present an entirely new selection of works.
The jury will evaluate finalists based on their technical precision, musical interpretation, and overall artistic presence, selecting winners who exemplify excellence in flute performance.
Eligibility & Application Process
The competition is open to all flutists, with no restrictions on age or nationality. To participate, applicants must:
- Submit an online application and upload preliminary round recordings in MP3 format.
- Ensure their entry is received by March 15, 2025.
- Be a member of the Texas Flute Society at the time of submission.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of $40.
Semi-finalists will be announced by March 31, 2025, with finalists required to submit their full program selection by April 7, 2025.
Competitors are responsible for:
- Providing their own accompanists for live rounds (a $40 deposit for accompaniment services is required).
- Arranging their own travel and accommodation.
All live performances will be open to the public, allowing audiences to witness some of the most talented flutists from around the world compete at the highest level.
Honoring Myrna W. Brown’s Legacy
This competition continues to honor Myrna W. Brown (1937–1990), a visionary in the flute world who played a vital role in the development of flute education and performance.
Brown was a founding member of the Texas Flute Society and served as Executive Coordinator of the National Flute Association (NFA). A graduate of the University of Utah and North Texas State University, she studied with some of the most respected flutists of her time, including Roger Stevens, William Kincaid, and Joseph Mariano.
Her legacy lives on through this prestigious competition, which continues to provide a platform for emerging and established flutists to excel.
Past Winners: A Tradition of Excellence
The Myrna W. Brown Artist Competition has a rich history of producing winners who have gone on to distinguished careers as performers, educators, and orchestral musicians.
2024 Winners
- 1st Place: Emily Ho
- 2nd Place & Best Performance of Commissioned Piece: Caleb Estrada-Valentin
- 3rd Place: Hannah Peterson
Notable past winners include Timothy Hagen (2016), Martin Godoy (2018), and Leslie Richmond (2023), all of whom have continued to make significant contributions to the flute world.
Why Participate?
The Myrna W. Brown Artist Competition provides flutists with a career-defining opportunity, offering:
- Prestigious cash prizes & performance opportunities at the Texas Flute Festival.
- A highly competitive yet supportive environment that fosters artistic growth.
- Valuable exposure to internationally recognized flutists and educators.
- A chance to premiere a newly commissioned flute work and contribute to the expanding flute repertoire.
This 40th-anniversary edition of the competition promises to be a landmark event, celebrating four decades of flute excellence.
Attend & Experience the Competition
Whether you are competing, supporting a participant, or simply a flute enthusiast, the Myrna W. Brown Artist Competition 2025 is a must-attend event. Witness some of the most talented flutists showcase their artistry in a highly anticipated musical event.
For more information, registration details, and updates, visit the Texas Flute Society’s official website.
