Video Audition: Application Rules

SOLO:  $200 USD

DUO: $300 USD (per group) 

Chamber or Choir:  $390 USD (per group)  [New Price! Discounted!]

Application Starts: 4/1/2025      

Application Deadline: 6/30/2025      

We expect the spots to fill up quickly. Please secure your spots before they are gone. 

 Participants must submit:

1. Completed online Application Form with YouTube URL of the video recordings
2. Application Fee

"Special Venue Music Awards"International Competition is open to all nationalities, ages, and instruments (piano, strings, winds, brass, classical guitar, harp, vocal, traditional instruments, choir groups (<25 musicians), piano four-hands, chamber music, etc.) including professional musicians.

* We are unable to accommodate instruments that must be delivered or shipped.

Applicants must submit ONE video recording with the following time limit:

SOLO

8 years old and under: 3 minutes

9 to 12 years old: 4 minutes

13 to 15 years old: 5 minutes

16 to 18 years old: 6 minutes

19 years old and older (no age limit): 7 minutes  

DUO and CHAMBER MUSIC

12 years old and under: 4 minutes

13 - 18 years old: 5 minutes

19 years old and older (no age limit): 7 minutes  

Choir (<25 musicians)

5 minutes

Classical repertoire (Baroque, Classical, Romantic or Contemporary periods).  

• Any interpretations of the classical repertoire are acceptable.
• The shortened versions of the repertoire are acceptable to meet the time limit.
• Self-composed pieces by the applicants are acceptable.
• For traditional instruments, we accept the traditional repertoires from respective cultural origins.
• For vocal applicants, musical theater repertoire is accepted.

Participants must upload video recordings of performance to YouTube and share URL in the Application Form.

Upload setting:

• Video Title:  Full Name, Age, Repertoire Title, Composer
• Set Visibility: Unlisted

The videos recorded within one year are acceptable. (A performance repertoire at the Winners  Recital can be changed with additional processing fee.) 

Recordings should be a fair representation of the contestant’s abilities, but need not be of professional quality.

•  A panel of judges evaluates and punctuates the video materials submitted, and the final  selections of winners is based solely on the same recordings submitted.  
• Multiple winners will be chosen in each age category. 
• The judges' decision is final and cannot be appealed. The comments and punctuation of the jury will not be provided. 

By July 3, the winners and each participant will be notified about the Competition results via email. 

[New!]  All winners and participants will receive digital certificates.  

From 90 to 100 points: 1st prize (100/100: Absolute First Prize)

From 80 to 89 points: 2nd prize

From 70 to 79 points: 3rd prize

All 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners will be invited to the winners' recitals.

Please note: We do not disclose the exact score earned by each participant.

Instructors of winners are eligible to apply for the Excellent Teacher Awards, recognizing their outstanding contributions to education. This application includes a Digital Certificate and Online Recognition, including points added to the World Ranking. This allows teachers to promote their name, music school/studio website, and photo/logo on this website. Further details will be emailed to nominated teachers via email.

Harvard University
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM and 2 PM – 5 PM
Venue: The Memorial Church of Harvard University

Carnegie Hall (with Videography Service)
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 8 PM - 11 PM
Venue: Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall

Carnegie Hall 

(Videography service will be offered only if 20 or more performers request it.)

Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Time: 8 PM - 11 PM
Venue: Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall

 San Francisco Opera House
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM and 2 PM – 5 PM
Venue: San Francisco War Memorial Opera House, Green Room

You can plan your own tour in the USA, but we cannot guarantee that your preferred date and time will be accommodated, as this depends on the performers' instrumentation and availability. A participation fee is required for each recital at each venue.

Due on  July 10. Participation fees are required for each venue.

Carnegie Hall (with mandatory videography service)* on September 30, Tuesday:

• Solo Category: $350 (Performance Fee) + $150 (Photography Fee) + $200 (Videography Fee)
• Duo / Chamber Music / Chorus Categories: $300 per performer (Performance Fee) + $150 per group (Photography Fee)+ $200  per group (Videography Fee)

*Videography service will be provided and is mandatory. A $200 videography fee applies to all performers. 

Carnegie Hall on October 1, Wednesday**

• Solo Category: $350 (Performance Fee) + $150 (Photography Fee) 
• Duo / Chamber Music / Chorus Categories: $300 per performer (Performance Fee) + $150 per group (Photography Fee)

** Videography service will be offered only if 20 or more performers request it. Each requesting performer must pay a $200 videography service fee upon confirmation of the service.

If you require videography service without exception, we kindly recommend submitting your application as early as possible—prior to the September 30 recital reaching full capacity.

Harvard University and San Francisco Opera House***

• Solo Category: $350 (Participation Fee) + $150 (Photography Fee) 
• Duo / Chamber Music / Chorus Categories: $300 per performer (Participation Fee) + $150 per group (Photography Fee)

*** You have the option to purchase a performance video. A videography service fee of $100 will apply.

• Performance of one piece at the Winners Recital
• Certificate of Achievement (digital and printed) 
• Trophy
• One recital ticket for the performer
• Featured in the “Results” section of the website (with name and photo)
• Points added to the global ranking on the website
• Professional photography (digital)
• Professional Videography (digital, if you selected the service with the video fee)

The piece performed at the Winners Recital must be the same as the one submitted for the video audition.

If you wish to change your piece, please submit the “Repertoire Change Request Form” and pay a fee of $55 by the deadline stated in your results email.
Note: The time limit must still be observed. No re-submission of the video is required.

SOLO

8 years old and under: 3 minutes

9 to 12 years old: 4 minutes

13 to 15 years old: 5 minutes

16 to 18 years old: 6 minutes

19 years old and older (no age limit): 7 minutes  

DUO and CHAMBER MUSIC

12 years old and under: 4 minutes

13 - 18 years old: 5 minutes

19 years old and older (no age limit): 7 minutes  

CHOIR (<25 musicians)

5 minutes

• The total time includes entering and exiting the stage, setting up instruments, tuning, adjusting benches, pedals, etc.
• If you exceed the time limit, the performance may be cut short, and world ranking points will be deducted. Please be sure to exit the stage within your designated time.
• We appreciate your cooperation in giving as many performers as possible the chance to appear on stage.

Requests to extend the performance time are not permitted.

• Carnegie Hall: Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited. 
• Harvard University: Family and affiliates may take photos and videos, but tripods and attachments to the historic structure are not allowed. 
• San Francisco Opera House: Family and affiliates may take photos and videos.

• Only piano accompaniment is permitted.
• If using other instruments, please apply under the Duo category.
• If the pianist would like to be listed in the results or program and be eligible for awards, apply as a Duo.
• If you need a pianist, we can recommend one (separate fee applies, approximately $150-$200).

• All expenses including participation fees, photography&videography fees, service fees, additional fees, travel, lodging, and rehearsal space must be covered by the participant.
• Please make your own arrangements at your cost.
• All payments are non-refundable under any circumstances.

If you cannot attend the recital, you may purchase a Winners’ Package for $300
Includes:

• Certificate of Achievement (digital and printed)
• Trophy
• Listing in the “Results” section of the website (name and photo)
• Points -addition to and listing in the “World Ranking”
• Shipping of the certificate and trophy

For more details, please see the FAQ page.