Competition Regulations & Rules
1. Eligibility
The Global Music Excellence Awards is open to musicians of all ages, nationalities, and levels. Participants may enter as soloists or ensembles.
2. Categories
Applications are accepted in Piano, Strings, Voice, Woodwinds, Brass, Guitar, Harp, Percussion, Chamber Music, Composition, Conducting, and Traditional & Folk Instruments.
The Global Music Excellence Awards welcomes traditional and folk instruments from all countries and regions, including but not limited to Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, Vietnamese, Indian, Middle Eastern, African, Latin American, and Indigenous musical traditions.
3. Competition Format
The Global Music Excellence Awards is an online competition. All applicants will be evaluated based on video submissions.
- Screening Round
- Free entry
- Online video submission
- Championship Round
- By invitation only
- Championship Round fees apply
4. Competition Timeline & Deadlines
The Global Music Excellence Awards is a two-round online competition. All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) on the deadlines listed below. Late entries will not be accepted.
| Round | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Screening Round | January 8, 2027 | All participants must submit their initial performance video link via the official submission form. All age divisions, repertoire rules, and video requirements apply. |
| Championship Round | January 28, 2027 | Only participants who advance from the First Round are eligible. Finalists are not required to submit a new performance video. Instead, they must complete an expanded Finalist Information Form, which includes additional details such as performer biography, photo, Championship Round fee, and final confirmation of participation. |
| Results Announcement | February 28, 2027 | Official winners will be announced on our website and notified via the email address provided during registration. |
5. Performance Requirements
Divisions / Age Classification / Performance Time Limits
Solo Division
| Age Group | Division | Maximum Performance Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4–6 years old | Young Musician | Up to 5 minutes |
| 7–9 years old | Rising Musician | Up to 6 minutes |
| 10–13 years old | Young Artist | Up to 7 minutes |
| 14–15 years old | Emerging Artist | Up to 8 minutes |
| 16–17 years old | Virtuoso Artist | Up to 10 minutes |
| 18 years and older | Concert Artist | Up to 12 minutes |
Note: Solo participant's age group is determined based on their age at the application deadline. If a participant's birthday falls on or before the application deadline, they must apply in the older age group.
Ensemble Division
| Age Group | Division | Maximum Performance Time |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 12 years old | Preparatory | Up to 8 minutes |
| 13–17 years old | Young Artist | Up to 10 minutes |
| 18 years and older | Artist | Up to 12 minutes |
Note: For ensembles and bands, the division is determined by the average age of all members on the application deadline.
Repertoire Requirements
- Participants may perform repertoire of their own choice.
- Music from any period, style, tradition, or culture is accepted.
- Original compositions are permitted.
- One movement from a larger work may be considered one piece.
- Memorization is required for solo division.
Video Requirements
- Videos must clearly show the performers.
- Videos may be submitted via YouTube, Google Drive, or other accessible links.
- Each piece must be submitted as a single, unedited video track. Multiple video links may be submitted for multiple pieces. Excessive editing, audio enhancement, or visual effects are not permitted.
- All submitted videos must be recorded within the past 12 months.
6. Awards
Award recipients will be selected based on the evaluations and recommendations of the distinguished jury members. All jury decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
Award levels may include:
- Grand Prize
- First Prize
- Second Prize
- Third Prize
- Honorable Mention
Special Awards
At the discretion of the jury, the following special awards may be presented:
- Best Baroque Period Work Award
- Best Classical Period Work Award
- Best Romantic Period Work Award
- Best Impressionist Period Work Award
- Best 20th/21st Century Work Award
- Best Contemporary Work Award
- Best Virtuosic Performance Award
- Jury Distinction Award
- Best National / Traditional Instrument Performance Award
- Best Chamber Music Performance Award
- Best Original Composition Award (if composition categories are offered)
7. Winners Gala Concert
Winners Gala Concert
Dates: August 13 - 15, 2027
Selected winners may be invited to perform at the annual Winners Gala Concert in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Invitations are extended based on artistic merit, program suitability, and available venue capacity.
If you receive an invitation, please review the following participation details carefully:
- Performance Fee:
- Solo performers: $200 per participant
- Duos & Trios: $100 per participant
- Quartets & Ensembles (4+ members): $80 per participant
- This non-refundable fee covers production, venue, and administrative costs and is due upon separate registration.
- Optional Participation: Participation in the Gala Concert is entirely optional and does not affect your competition results.
- Separate Registration: All invited winners must complete a separate registration process to confirm their spot.
- Travel & Expenses: All travel, accommodation, meals, and other related expenses (including visas, ground transportation, etc.) are the sole responsibility of the participant.
- The Winners Gala Concert will provide a piano only. No other musical instruments will be provided by the Competition.
- The Competition does not provide pianists or other accompanists for the Winners Gala Concert.
- Participants who require an instrument other than a piano or an accompanist are responsible for making their own arrangements and covering all related costs.
Winners’ Recognition
- Winners who participate in the Winners Gala Concert will receive a physical trophy and official certificate in recognition of their achievement.
- Winners who choose not to attend the Winners Gala Concert will receive an electronic certificate by email.
- The teacher of each winning participant will also receive a Best Teacher Award in recognition of their guidance, dedication, and contribution to the student’s musical development.
8. Rights and Permissions
By submitting an application, participants grant Global Music Excellence Awards permission to use submitted materials, recordings, biographies, and photographs for promotional, educational, and archival purposes.
9. Acceptance of Regulations
Submission of an application constitutes acceptance of all regulations and decisions of the Global Music Excellence Awards.