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ARTS OF AMERICA MUSIC COMPETITION

Join the Arts of America Music Competition!

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Become part of an exciting new international event celebrating exceptional artists across music, dance, and dramatic arts. Designed for talented performers seeking recognition and the opportunity to perform, grow, and gain exposure in a professional artistic environment.

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Competitors receive valuable judges’ feedback and scores from respected industry professionals while competing for an invitation to the live Finals event, where top finalists from around the world come together for an unforgettable showcase of talent. Compete for cash prizes, scholarships,  enjoy master classes or workshops, and more.  Please see the Partner Organizations page to view our esteemed partners and the different scholarships and awards available.

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Whether you are a young student, emerging artist, professional musician, or adult recreational musician, Arts of America is your opportunity to stand out, be inspired, and take the next step in your artistic journey.

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Awards and Scholarships:  $1000 Grand Prize Winner; Mark Cortale Presents will offer a private coaching/consultation in NYC with a Musical Theater Singer or Actor;  AIMS in Graz Scholarship; Berlin Opera Academy Scholarship:  Interlochen Center for the Arts Scholarship; Dwight Global Online Scholarship, and more TBA!

APPLY

REGISTRATION DATES:
OPENS: August 1, 2026
CLOSES:  December 1, 2026

 

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

Fill out the Application Form, provide a link to your video, upload a Photo and Bio, and pay the Application Fee.  See below for more specific video and repertoire requirements for each category.

 

REGISTRATION FEE:  $75

 

ENTRY FEES:

Soloist:  $125 per solo

Ensembles: 

  • Small Ensemble (Duo or Trio)  $75 per person for Duo, $50 per person for Trio

  • Large Ensemble (Four + Performers)  $40 per person

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AGE CATEGORIES:
Enter in the category for your age as of January 1, 2027.
Category:                  Age:

Youth                         6 - 10

Junior                        11 - 14

Senior                        15 - 17

Collegiate                 18 -24

Professional              25 and up

Recreational Adults  25 and up

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INSTRUMENT CATEGORIES:

Classical Voice

Popular Voice

Piano

Strings

Winds & Brass

Ensembles

Composition


EVALUATION PERIOD:
The judges will review all videos and provide written evaluations and scores during the Evaluation Period:  December 2, 2026 through January 31, 2027.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FINALISTS:
Finalists will be announced on February 1.  Finalists compete at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Northern Virginia on Saturday, June 26, 2027. The Hylton stage is 50 x 40, big enough to accommodate large ensembles.  Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony.  A top 20 in each category will be announced out of all submissions from the Semifinal.  Those scoring 95 or higher will advance to the Finals.

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AWARDS:

•    $1000 award for the Grand Prize Winner.
•    The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Winners in each Category will receive medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze).
•    The top 5 competitors in each Category will receive Winners Certificates for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th Place.
•    A top 20 in each category will be announced out of all submissions from the Semifinal.  Those scoring 95 or higher will advance to the Finals.
•    See the Partners Page for other awards and scholarships.
•    All participants’ videos may be promoted on the Arts of America LLC website or social media channels.
•    All Finalists will have the potential to receive scholarships or contracts from Arts of America LLC partner organizations.

 

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VIDEO SUBMISSIONS:

  • Provide a YouTube link to your video.  Videos must NOT be password protected.

  • Videos must be current.  Do not submit a video that is more than one year old.

  • Videos should provide a clear view of the applicant performing live.  Your name must appear either on the video itself or in the video description on YouTube.  Composers who are submitting music scores can send either a video or an mp3 file with a PDF of the written score.  See below for more details.

  • If you are entering in two separate categories, please submit two separate videos with separate URLS.  Entering twice requires two separate application fees.

  • Videos that do not provide a clear view of the applicant, videos that have poor sound quality, or videos that appear to be dubbed or edited will be rejected, and we will ask you to provide a different video.

  • For video time limits, please see REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS below.

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REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS:

 

CLASSICAL VOICE

Submit a classical art song, opera aria, concert aria, or oratorio aria, or a classical style (“legit”) musical theater song.  Please keep selections under 5 minutes, approximately.


POPULAR VOICE

Submit a Musical Theatre (with belting), Pop, Rock, Country, Jazz, etc., or an Original Song in non-Classical style (no profanity in lyrics allowed).  Please keep selections under 5 minutes, approximately.

 

PIANO

Submit a piano selection of your choosing.  We suggest using standard repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or 20th Century/Modern time periods, but you may pick something else.  You can choose a movement from a larger work to stay in the time limit.  Please keep selections under 6 minutes, approximately.

 

STRINGS

String Instruments may include Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar, Harp, etc.  Submit a selection of your choosing.  We suggest using standard repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or 20th Century/Modern time periods, but you may pick something else.  You can choose a movement from a larger work to stay in the time limit.  Please keep selections under 6 minutes, approximately.

 

WINDS AND BRASS

Winds and Brass Instruments may include Flute, Saxophone, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Tuba, etc.  Submit a selection of your choosing.  We suggest using standard repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or 20th Century/Modern time periods, but you may pick something else.  You can choose a movement from a larger work to stay in the time limit.  Please keep selections under 6 minutes, approximately.

 

ENSEMBLES

This category can include duos, trios, quartets, quintets, and larger ensembles including choirs, chamber groups, or orchestras.  Please keep selections under 6 minutes, approximately.

 

COMPOSITION

This category is for original composition.  Composers must submit their own work that they created, including a video or sound file, and a

PDF of the score, with an option to submit a written statement about your composition.  Composition Finalists who opt to participate in the Finals can either have their work played on audio, or have their work performed live (more feasible if the work is for a solo or small group.)  Please keep selections under 6 minutes, approximately.

 

JUDGING PROCESS:

  • Judges will watch the videos. They will judge both technique and artistry and will provide written feedback and scores on a scale of 1-100.

  • The highest scorers (95 or above) will be invited to the Finals.  

  • The Finals and Awards Ceremony is at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 26, 2027.  

  • Judges’ decisions are final and may not be disputed.

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OTHER POLICIES:

  • The Judges reserve the right not to award a prize in any particular category.

  • All Finalists are responsible for their own travel and hotel expenses.

  • If you need a letter of recommendation (for a college application, job application, or foreign visa support letter) we can supply one for a $25 fee.

  • A downloadable video of your Finals performance will be available free of charge.  

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For FULL POLICIES please click here.

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Music Competition Policies
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