Dalton Competition

Dalton Research

David Dalton Research Competition

The David Dalton Research Competition awards cash prizes for original scholarly research and the opportunity for winning papers to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of the American Viola Society. The current cash prize amounts for this competition are $1000 for first prize, $500 for second prize, and a sheet music package for third prize.. The new Dalton Harmony Prize–in the amount of $500–is available to a scholar for research focusing on non-canonic, underrepresented, and underserved composers, their music, and/or performers and pedagogy and will not disqualify the prize winner’s eligibility for the Dalton Research Competition first, second, or third prizes.

To make a donation to the AVS Dalton Endowment Fund or Dalton Harmony Prize, please click HERE.

Dalton Competition Guidelines
Dalton Competition Laureates

David Dalton Research Competition (DDRC) Giving Circle

Since its founding in 1972, the AVS has emphasized viola research as a core principle.  In 1999, the AVS founded the David Dalton Research Competition (DDRC) to encourage and support student viola research. It has since awarded over twenty prizes and provided numerous opportunities for publication in JAVS. Previous awardees often cite winning the DDRC as an influential point in their development and many have gone on to significant careers in music.

In order to sustain the DDRC far into the future, the AVS announces the DDRC Giving Circle, with a fundraising goal of $10,000.  All donations of $50 or more per year to the DDRC (or DDRC Harmony Prize) include membership in the DDRC Giving Circle. 

DDRC members will be recognized by calendar year, and member names will be posted in the JAVS  “Development Corner” column until we reach our goal.  Periodically, we will also announce the total raised to celebrate our success and stay motivated to reach our goal!.

Your gift to support the DDRC is truly an investment in the future of viola research, and as always, all gifts to the AVS are fully tax-deductible. Please plan your donation today!

Two easy ways to join the DDRC Giving Circle:

  1. Donate securely online via the AVS website.
    Scroll down to “David Dalton Fund” or the “Dalton Harmony Prize” and follow the prompts. A donation of $50 or more per year to either option includes membership.
  2. Send a check in any amount of $50 or more to the American Viola Society.
    Please note the DDRC on the memo line, and send to:
    American Viola Society
    14070 Proton Rd Suite 100, LB9
    Dallas, TX 75244

Thank you for your support of this important AVS initiative!