CFMTA 2026 National Essay Competition Winners
The National CFMTA Essay Competition invites submissions of essays on any research topic related to music teaching, pedagogy or performance practice. This competition is open to all Canadian residents currently studying at the High School, Undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral university levels.
The CFMTA prize to honor Dr. Lorna Wanzel is awarded to the first-place recipient in the Doctorate degree level. The Undergraduate prize is sponsored by the Personal Insurance Company. The Masters and High School levels will not be awarded this year.
CFMTA is pleased to congratulate the winners of the 2026 National Essay Competition.
University Doctoral Level
1st place / 1re place ($1000.00)
Sponsored by CFMTA/FCAPM in honour of founder and major donor, Dr. Lorna Wanzel
Alessandra DiCienzo, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
Communities of Musical Practice: a space of connection, collaboration and well-being
University Graduate Level
Not Awarded in 2026
University Undergraduate
1st place ($500.00)
Sponsored by The Personal Insurance Company
Ethan Walter, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB
Conducting High School Wind Bands: Striking a Balance between Performance and Education
High School
Not Awarded in 2026
Our adjudicators for the 2026 competition were:
- Dr. Emily Logan DMA
- Dr. Terence E. Dawson DMA
- Dr. Bronwyn Schuman DMus
- Olivia Adams MA