In most years a competition is held for students enrolled in the Performance Studies program to perform an instrumental concerto or concerted vocal composition with the Dickinson Orchestra at a public concert of the Orchestra. This competition is administered by the Music Director of the Orchestra, and the board of judges is comprised of noted professionals in the music field.

A student is nominated in writing to the Director by an instructor of performance studies by a published deadline. Auditions are heard by the board of judges, and the winner is announced. Instrumentalists and vocalists are equally invited to compete in the Concerto Competition.