Application
- This event has now passed. The next Grand Concours competition is scheduled for Spring of 2024. Please visit our competitions page for more information.
Schedule
November 15th, 2023 – Grand Concours Online
- The Grand Concours Online is an online competition in Video Submission format.
- Registration deadline for this round is November 15th, 2023. Video submission and payment of the application and registration fees must be completed by this date.
November 19th, 2023 – Grand Concours Live
- The Grand Concours Live is a live in-person competition.
- Registration deadline for this round is October 31st, 2023. Payment of the application and registration fees must be completed by this date.
December 2nd-3rd, 2023 – Awards Ceremony + Winners’ Concert
- A live event where contestants will receive medals, trophies and prizes based on their winnings. Additionally, top performers from the competition will be invited to perform live on-stage.
February 17th-18th, 2024 – Grand Prix + Winners’ Concert
- A highly competitive special round where only the crème de la crème will make it to 1st place. Top performers will be invited to perform an encore performance at our “Grande Finale” winners’ concert.
Rules and Regulations
- Les Grandes Concours Internationales D’automne is open to participants of all nationalities, ages, and skill levels.
- Instrument choices are comprehensive and include Piano, Strings, Wind & Brass, Voice, and Guitar.
- You may choose from 2 different formats: Live In-Person, and Online Video Submission. Each format is treated as a separate competition with its own judging and prizes. Separating the competitions ensures fairness and consistency in judging criteria for each format. This approach increases the fairness and objectivity of the competition overall.
- The Grand Concours Live competition consists of 1 round and will be a live in-person event. Registration for this live event is due by October 31st, 2023.
- The online format consists of 1 round and in Video Submission Format. Please follow this link for the Video Submission Guidelines https://iapmt.com/iapmt-video-submission-guidelines.
- There are 4 levels of difficulty: Novice (Beginner), Standard (Intermediate), Expert (Early Advanced – Advanced), and Virtuoso (Highly Competitive).
Novice provides a unique platform for beginner students to experience competition in an easy and friendly environment, helping them prepare for higher levels. Students can participate in Novice multiple times until they feel confident and ready to advance to Standard, which serves as the first step in competitions.
Standard level builds upon the foundation laid in Novice, providing a comfortable transition for students to further explore their musical abilities. While it offers a higher level of challenge, it maintains a supportive and encouraging environment, ensuring that students feel at ease as they take the next step in their musical journey. Standard level strikes a balance between nurturing growth and introducing new elements, allowing participants to continue honing their skills with confidence and enthusiasm.
Expert level serves as an exciting progression from Standard, offering participants the chance to further refine their skills and showcase their growing talent. While it presents a higher level of challenge, Expert level maintains a supportive and encouraging environment, empowering students to push their boundaries and explore new musical horizons. This level is designed for dedicated and passionate individuals who are ready to take their musical abilities to the next level. It provides a platform for participants to demonstrate their exceptional talent and prepares them for more advanced opportunities in the future.
The Virtuoso level is designed for highly competitive participants who are prepared to showcase their exceptional skills. This level requires participants to perform two pieces, demonstrating their mastery and artistry in a challenging competition setting.
For Virtuoso level participants, in addition to the cash prize, there is an exclusive opportunity to perform at renowned concert halls around the world. This level is specifically designed for highly accomplished musicians who are ready to showcase their exceptional talent on a global stage. By performing at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and Sydney Opera House, participants gain recognition and exposure in the music industry, further enhancing their musical journey and career prospects.
- The decision of the judges is final and irrevocable. Judging is based on performance standards.
Le Grand Concours de Solo
Groups
There are a total of 17 groups. Groups 1-13 are based upon the contestant’s birth year:
| Group | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| Year Born | 2017 or later | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Groups 14-17 have no age limit and are as follows:
- Group 14 • Amateur • Non-Music degree holder who works in a non-music related field.
- Group 15 • Collegiate • Holds a bachelor’s degree or is studying towards one.
- Group 16 • Master • Holds a master’s degree or is studying towards one.
- Group 17 • Professional • Holds a DMA degree, is studying towards one.
Composition
- All pieces for Piano or Strings must be played by memory.
- There are 4 levels of difficulty: Novice (Beginner), Standard (Intermediate), Expert (Early Advanced – Advanced), and Virtuoso (Highly Competitive).
- One piece is required for Novice, Standard and Expert Levels
- Two pieces are required for Virtuoso Level
- The same repertoire may be used for different categories within the same age group and division
Categories
- Piano: Open Choice, Baroque & Classical, Romantic & Impressionism, 20th Century & Contemporary, Chopin-Liszt.
- Strings: Open Choice, Baroque & Classical, Romantic & Impressionism, 20th Century & Contemporary, Vivaldi, Paganini.
- Vocal: Open Choice, Baroque & Classical, Romantic & Impressionism, 20th Century & Contemporary, Art Song, Opera, Lieder.
- Brass: Open Choice, Baroque & Classical, Romantic & Impressionism, 20th Century & Contemporary.
- Guitar: Open Choice, Baroque & Classical, Romantic & Impressionism, 20th Century & Contemporary.
- Winds: Open Choice, Baroque & Classical, Romantic & Impressionism, 20th Century & Contemporary.
Time Limits and Fees
| Live In-Person | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Novice | 4 Minutes | $60 | |
| Standard | 5 Minutes | $65 | |
| Expert | 7 Minutes | $70 | |
| Virtuoso | 12 Minutes | $205 | |
| Online | |||
| Novice | 4 Minutes | $65 | |
| Standard | 5 Minutes | $70 | |
| Expert | 7 Minutes | $75 | |
| Virtuoso | 12 Minutes | $205 | |
You are allowed to perform pieces that are longer than the specified time limit. However, it’s important to know that the judges will stop your performance once the time limit is reached. Rest assured, this will not have any impact on how your performance is evaluated or the final results.
Le Grand Concours de Chambre
Groups
- Competitor’s age group will be determined by the birth year of the oldest member.
- Each member of the ensemble or chamber group has to sign up separately.
There are a total 20 groups. Groups 1-13 are based upon the contestant’s birth year:
| Group | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| Year Born | 2017 or later | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Groups 14-20 have no age limit and are as follows:
- Group 14 • Amateur • Non-Music degree holder who works in a non-music related field.
- Group 15 • Collegiate • Holds a bachelor’s degree or is studying towards one.
- Group 16 • Master • Holds a master’s degree or is studying towards one.
- Group • Professional • Holds a DMA degree, is studying towards one.
Special Groups:
- Group 18 • Siblings
- Group 19 • Parent and Child
- Group 20 • Grandparent and Grandchild
Categories
- Duet • 1 instrument, 2 performers
- Duo • 2 instruments, 2 performers
- Trio-Quartet • 1-3 instruments, 3 or 4 performers
- Multiple. 5 or more instruments and performers
Composition
- Original compositions, arrangements, and transcriptions of entire compositions may be used.
- Memorization is not required for all disciplines.
- There are 4 levels of difficulty: Novice (Beginner), Standard (Intermediate), Expert (Early Advanced – Advanced), and Virtuoso (Highly Competitive).
- Collegiate, Master and Professional divisions may only compete at the Expert or Virtuoso levels.
- One piece or movement is required for Novice, Standard and Expert Levels
- Two pieces are required for Virtuoso Level
Time Limits and Fees per Person
| Live In-Person | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Novice | 4 Minutes | $45 | |
| Standard | 5 Minutes | $50 | |
| Expert | 7 Minutes | $55 | |
| Virtuoso | 10 Minutes | $105 | |
| Online | |||
| Novice | 4 Minutes | $50 | |
| Standard | 5 Minutes | $55 | |
| Expert | 7 Minutes | $60 | |
| Virtuoso | 10 Minutes | $105 | |
Le Grand Concours de Concertos
Groups
There are a total of 17 groups. Groups 1-13 are based upon the contestant’s birth year:
| Group | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| Year Born | 2017 or later | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Groups 14-17 have no age limit and are as follows:
- Group 14 • Amateur • Non-Music degree holder who works in a non-music related field.
- Group 15 • Collegiate • Holds a bachelor’s degree or is studying towards one.
- Group 16 • Master • Holds a master’s degree or is studying towards one.
- Group 17 • Professional • Holds a DMA degree, is studying towards one.
Composition
- Any movement from a Standard Concerto
- All music must be performed from memory (except for Winds and Brass).
- There are 4 levels of difficulty: Novice (Beginner), Standard (Intermediate), Expert (Early Advanced – Advanced), and Virtuoso (Highly Competitive).
- Collegiate, Master and Professional divisions may only compete at the Expert or Virtuoso levels.
- One movement is required for Novice, Standard and Expert Levels
- Two movements ( can be from the same or different concertos) are required for Virtuoso level
- For the Preliminary round, playing with an accompanist is not mandatory
- For the Final Round, Contestants are strongly encouraged to perform with and provide their own accompanist, as well as providing a PDF copy of the score for the judges.
Time Limits and Fees
| Live In-Person | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Novice | 6 Minutes | $70 | |
| Standard | 7 Minutes | $75 | |
| Expert | 10 Minutes | $85 | |
| Virtuoso | 15 Minutes | 205 | |
| Online | |||
| Novice | 6 Minutes | $75 | |
| Standard | 7 Minutes | $80 | |
| Expert | 10 Minutes | $90 | |
| Virtuoso | 15 Minutes | $205 | |
La Musique Populaire
Groups
There are a total of 17 groups. Groups 1-13 are based upon the contestant’s birth year:
| Group | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| Year Born | 2017 or later | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Groups 14-17 have no age limit and are as follows:
- Group 14 • Amateur • Non-Music degree holder who works in a non-music related field.
- Group 15 • Collegiate • Holds a bachelor’s degree or is studying towards one.
- Group 16 • Master • Holds a master’s degree or is studying towards one.
- Group 17 • Professional • Holds a DMA degree, is studying towards one.
Composition
- Any one piece of your choice
- All music must be performed from memory .
- There are 4 levels of difficulty: Novice (Beginner), Standard (Intermediate), Expert (Early Advanced – Advanced), and Virtuoso (Highly Competitive).
Categories
- Original Composition, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Trance-Techno, Traditional/Ethnic, Musical Theatre, Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Country, Folk, Blues, R&B
Time Limits and Fees
| Level | Time Limit | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live In-Person and Online Video Submission | |||
| Novice | 4 Minutes | $65 | |
| Standard | 5 Minutes | $70 | |
| Expert | 7 Minutes | $75 | |
| Virtuoso | 12 Minutes | $205 | |
Awards
- All winners will receive medals and certificates.
- One grand prize winner will receive the $300 “Frances June Harding Scholarship” from the Musical Arts Club of Long Beach.
- Special Award: Invitation to perform at Bay Towers at Bixby Knolls. Hosted by The Musical Arts Club of Long Beach. Total:$400 Cash Award
- Montecito Festival Scholarship Awards (applied towards the tuition of 2024)
1st Prize Winners from Expert and Virtuoso: $500
1st Prize Winners from Standard and Novice: $300
10 Encouraging Awards of Judges Selections(All Categories): $150 - 1st-5th place winners in the Novice, Standard and Expert levels will be awarded medals and certificates.
- 1st-4th place winners in the Virtuoso level will be awarded trophies and certificates.
- Selected 1st place winners will be invited to perform at the Winners’ Concert and Awards Ceremony on December 2nd, 2023 at Munson Hall, Azusa Pacific University.
- Selected winners will be invited to perform in Carnegie Hall on January 7th, 2024
- Cash Prize awards will be given to Virtuoso Level winners: 1st: $300 • 2nd: $150 • 3rd: $75
- Selected Grand Prize winners will have a chance to perform at Soka Performing Arts Center in 2024 as well as a chance to perform at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
- Selected Grand Prize Winners of the Concerto Division will have the opportunity to perform with the IAPMT Philharmonic Orchestra at the Soka Performing Arts Center in 2024, and a coaching session with the conductor of the Orchestra.
- The selected grand prize winners will be recognized as “IAPMT Young Kawai Artist”
- Selected Teachers of the Grand Prize winners will be honored as “Kawai Medallion Teacher”
- Please note that a shipping charge for the delivery of medals may apply for certain regions and countries.
Grand Prix Special Awards
- 3 Special Grand Prize Winners from the Grand Prix Round in January will receive a Kawai CA-49 Digital Piano, courtesy of Kim’s Piano.