Cash prizes or professional-quality trumpets are awarded to the winners in each division. Both the listening and the performing are important, for good players inevitably learn from each other. It was for this dual purpose that Dr. Dennis Edelbrock, adjunct professor of trumpet at George Mason University and a member of The United States Army Band, established the National Trumpet Competition. For the junior and senior high school participants, this event usually marks their solo debut in a national setting.
College students gain professional recognition from peers, judges, and guest artists.