Sponsored by the Symphony Volunteer Council, the Lois Pickard Concerto Competition is open to serious and gifted young musicians ages 12 through seniors in high school. Students of strings, brass, winds, percussion, and piano are eligible to enter in one category only. Entrants must be legal U.S. residents and reside in the state of Alabama.

First and second-place scholarships are awarded in each of these three divisions: strings, piano, and brass/winds/percussion. First-place awards are $1,500, and second-place awards are $750. Previous first-place winners may reenter after a two-year absence.

The winners must be available to perform for the Lois Pickard Scholarship Award Luncheon, which is when scholarships will be presented. The scholarship luncheon is held in the spring each year.

Please email Linda Griggs at lvgriggs@gmail.com for more information about the competition and upcoming scholarship opportunities.

To learn more about the Symphony Volunteer Council click the 'LEARN MORE' button below!

2026 Lois Pickard Concerto Competition

Competition Date
Saturday, January 24, 2026
*deadline for entering: December 31, 2025  (Extended Deadline)

*Participation is limited to the first 30 registered students

Location
University of Montevallo
Maxine Couch Davis Hall
Highland Street, Montevallo, AL  35115

Luncheon Date
February 26, 2026

Repertoire
Acceptable literature for the competition includes one movement only from the standard concerto repertoire written for the entrant's instrument. If limited concerto repertoire exists, please check to see if another piece with orchestral accompaniment is acceptable. A copy of the work to be performed must be provided to the judges. Xerox copies are not acceptable. The decision of the judges is final. The judges reserve the right to omit the awarding of a scholarship if they deem there is no winner.

Time Limit
Maximum time of performance is 15 minutes, and all accompanists are urged to cut orchestral interludes. Time may be called if performance exceeds 15 minutes.

Accompanists
All entrants must perform with a live accompaniment. Accompanists are the responsibility of each entrant.

Performance Time
Entrants will be notified by email several days prior to the competition with their approximate performance time. The competition begins at 8:30 a.m. with contestants to be scheduled in instrumental groups. No schedule changes are possible. Entrants must note on the application form any expected time conflicts in scheduling their audition time.

Warm-Up Facilities
Practice rooms will be available for warm-ups. You should plan to be 45 minutes to an hour early to be assured of a warm-up room.