First Prize: $8,000

Eligibility
Contestants must be under 35 years of age on November 7, 2026.
Proof of age will be required.

 

Deadlines

1. Application available for submission at maderfund.org beginning January 1, 2026.

2. Completed applications with recordings and $50 application fee must be received no later than July 1, 2026.

3. Preliminary Round performances must be recorded after January 1, 2026.

 

Repertoire

1. Required works (available at Selah Publishing Co.)

   • A Passiontide Fantasy by Clarence Mader

   • A Lenten Impromptu by Clarence Mader

2. Other works performed may be chosen without restriction from organ solo repertoire.

 

Preliminary Round

1. Applicants must submit a recorded performance of 30-45 minutes of repertoire (including the required compositions) recorded in any order after January 1,2026.

2. Specifications for recording:

   • Formatted as WAV files, encoded as FLAC or ALAC (Apple Lossless), or MP3.

   • Recorded performances need not be submitted as a single file.

3. Recorded performances will be judged by a panel of three musicians which does not include past or present teachers of any of the contestants. A different panel will judge the final round.

4. Enter on your application form your proposed program for the final competition (see rule number 4 under “Final Round”).

5. Three finalists will be selected to compete in the final round to be held on November 7, 2026.

6. Only the names of the three finalists will be made public.

 

Final Round

1. Three finalists will compete in a formal performance at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026 for $17,500 in awards.

2. The final competition will be held at Claremont United Church of Christ, 233 West Harrison Avenue, Claremont, CA, on the 3 manual, 76 rank 1998 Glatter-Goetz/Rosales Organ.

3. Practice time allowed on the competition instrument includes 12 hours prior to the day of the competition (4 hours during each of the 3 days preceding it) and 1 hour on the day of the competition. The practice time must be unassisted.

4. If a page turner is used during practice and/or performance, he/she may not assist the player in the selection of registration, or in the manipulation or setting of stops or pistons.

5. The music performed in the final competition must include the required works. Other works performed may include all, some, or none of the additional repertoire recorded for the preliminary round.

6. The jury will consist of three musicians. No past or present teachers of the finalists will be included on the panel. The judges will not be screened from the players, and applause from the audience will be allowed.

7. The competition prizes will be awarded according to the decision of the judges, who shall be empowered to withhold any prize.

8. Awards will be presented during a reception following the competition.