2025 International Young Artists Competition

SOLO CATEGORY

GUIDELINES

The competition is open to all solo instruments between the ages of 8 to 19 at the time of the competition.

Registration Deadline(Both Live and YouTube Entry): March 3, 2025, 11:59 PM ET

Application Fee:

  • The fee is non-refundable.

  • $120 for solo performances up to 6 minutes.

  • $150 for solo performances from 6 to 8 minutes.

Winners Concert Fee:

  • $325 per person for up to 6 minutes.

  • A fee of $100 will be charged for each additional minute, up to a maximum time limit of 8 minutes. Performances exceeding 8 minutes will result in disqualification.

  • The concert fee covers 4 tickets, certificates, and trophies. Additional tickets are $65 each.

  • The winners’ fee and application fee must be paid at the time of registration. The winners’ fee will be refunded if the applicant is not selected as a winner.

  • Winners must perform at the Winner’s Concerts to receive their awards; otherwise, they will forfeit their status. Winners’ fees are non-refundable under any circumstances, even if they do not participate in the Winner’s Concerts.

Repertoire Requirements:

  • Participants may choose one selection or a collection of pieces (from the same opus or

    suite) from the classical standard solo repertoire (Baroque, Classical, Romantic,

    Impressionist, and Contemporary). A movement of a suite is acceptable. Theme and

    variations must be played in their entirety. No simplified arrangements will be accepted.

    Repeats are not allowed unless they are essential to the integrity of the piece and must

    be within the time limit.

  • For piano entries, both the Prelude and Fugue from the WTC must be played to qualify

    as one piece. A movement of a piano sonata or sonatina will count as one selection. No

    concerto repertoire is allowed.

  • For non-piano instruments, concerto repertoire is allowed. The cadenza of a concerto

    must be included; however, cuts in the solo section will result in disqualification. A

    concerto must be performed with a piano accompanist using a piano reduction of the

    orchestral score. Cuts in the accompaniment or tutti score are strongly encouraged. If

    you have any questions, please contact NLPA.

  • Memorization is required for all pieces. No changes to the repertoire are allowed once it

    has been submitted.

  • The maximum time limit is 8 minutes and 1 second. A timer will be present during the

    live audition to ensure the time limit is respected. Please choose your repertoire

    carefully.

  • Instrumentalists/vocalists are responsible for providing their own accompanist for both

    the competition and the concert, or they will be disqualified. If an accompanist is needed,

    we can provide a list of names.

  • Concert Performance Restriction: Grand, Gold, and Silver Winners will perform only the

    piece performed at the competition.

Live Audition Entry Guidelines:

  • The competition schedule will be sent via email with detail instructions.

  • All students must bring a copy of the music or the original book. 

  • A timer will be present in the room during your audition. If the duration of your performance differs from the time noted in your application, you will be charged accordingly.

YouTube Link Entry Guidelines:

  • YouTube links must adhere to the recording guidelines. Click HERE for the recording guidelines.

  • YouTube Submissions Deadline: March, 17, 2025, 11:59 PM ET

 

Dress Code: 

  • Proper concert attire is required for both the competition and the Winners’ concert.