Rules & Regulations for 2023 Grand Maestro International Music Competition
(3rd Edition) SPECIAL EDITION in commemoration of Sergei Rachmaninoff
The goal of the Grand Maestro International Music Competition (Online) is to challenge music students of all ages and levels to perform in a formal, competitive yet supportive environment. We welcome participants from all over the world to participate in our Grand Maestro International Video Competition. There is no age limit for applicants.
Competition categories - solo, duo, trio, quartet, ensembles, and concerto competition, choir, orchestral categories for a variety of instruments including piano, strings (violin, cello, guitar), wind, brass instruments, percussion, harp, voice, guitar, lute, harpsichord, organ, accordion and traditional music instruments. Conducting, composition, music arrangement, music cover.
If your instrument is not listed here, simply send us an email to inquire.
(3rd Edition) SPECIAL EDITION in commemoration of Sergei Rachmaninoff
The goal of the Grand Maestro International Music Competition (Online) is to challenge music students of all ages and levels to perform in a formal, competitive yet supportive environment. We welcome participants from all over the world to participate in our Grand Maestro International Video Competition. There is no age limit for applicants.
Competition categories - solo, duo, trio, quartet, ensembles, and concerto competition, choir, orchestral categories for a variety of instruments including piano, strings (violin, cello, guitar), wind, brass instruments, percussion, harp, voice, guitar, lute, harpsichord, organ, accordion and traditional music instruments. Conducting, composition, music arrangement, music cover.
If your instrument is not listed here, simply send us an email to inquire.
SPECIAL 2023 EDITION: RACHMANINOFF CATEGORY:
Participants have the opportunity to showcase their talents by performing works by Rachmaninoff or crafting transcriptions of his compositions, enabling adaptations for various instruments or ensembles. In the composition category, applicants enjoy the freedom to choose any piece by Rachmaninoff and create their own unique transcription, highlighting their creativity and comprehension of his musical style. We eagerly anticipate the participants' interpretations and heartfelt tributes to Rachmaninoff's timeless compositions, fostering an atmosphere of artistic exploration and appreciation within this competition.
Requirement: To perform a piece [including play an instrument or conduct a piece] or transcribe a piece by Rachmaninoff
(one movement from a concerto or large scale work by Rachmaninoff)
The top prize winner in this category will be awarded the prestigious Grand Maestro Rachmaninoff Prize.
IMPORTANT NOTE: While this competition serves as a tribute to the great Rachmaninoff, participants are encouraged to embrace artistic freedom and choice of repertoire is not confined solely to repertoire by Rachmaninoff. Applicants are invited to explore a diverse selection of compositions from various composers, instruments, and genres. This inclusivity allows musicians to showcase their versatility and express their unique musical interpretations, contributing to the rich tapestry of this music competition.
Accepting applications for all instruments, voice, composition, music arrangement, conducting (Solo & ensemble)
Genres accepted include: Classical, jazz, contemporary, pop, traditional & ethnic music
Repertoire: Free choice of works by all composers - Not limited to music of Rachmaninoff.
Applicants of each category will be placed in the appropriate age group(s) based on experience.
There is no age limit imposed for this competition.
Ensemble size: There is no limit to the number of participants in the ensembles. Small, medium, large ensembles as well as choirs and orchestras are welcome to participate.
This competition includes 2 rounds - the PRELIMINARY ROUND & the FINAL ROUND
Application Deadline for PRELIMINARY ROUND:
Accepting applications for First Round: starting from 22 July 2023
Application deadline for Preliminary Round: 5th October 2023 Eastern Time at 23:59
Video Submission Deadline: 5th October 2023 Eastern Time at 23:59
Judging Period: 7th October 2023 to 11th October 2023
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS for PRELIMINARY ROUND 12th October 2023
First Round Results will be posted on our website
Application Deadline for FINAL ROUND:
Application Deadline: 22 October 2023 Eastern Time at 23:59
Video Submission Deadline: 22 October 2023 Eastern Time at 23:59
Judging Period: 24 October to 3 November 2023
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS for FINAL ROUND : 10th NOVEMBER 2023 at 23:59 Eastern Time
MARKING SYSTEM (for Final Round)
Diamond Award: 98-100%
Platinum: 95-97%
Gold: 90-94%
Silver: 85-89%
Bronze: 80-84%
Honorary mention: 76-79% and above
Certificate of Participation
PRIZES and AWARDS (For Final Round only)
* Prizes are awarded to Final Round winners only. The results of the first round only indicates whether a participant is accepted into the Final Round
*Cash prizes at the discretion of the jury
*Winners will receive medals and certificates
*Top Prize winners will be featured on our competition website and social media sites with a concert portrait, biography, and their prize winning video. Special poster featuring top prize winners.
* Winners of final round will be featured on major news media such as FOX, ABC, MSNBC, and other channels
* 2023 SPECIAL RACHMANINOFF PRIZE - for top prize winner in the Rachmaninoff Category includes a special trophy, medal, certificate, performance recording distribution to Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube Music, music album cover design
SPECIAL: Top winners will be featured in an online interview.
Besides offering prizes, trophies, medals and certificates to winners, we also provide letters of recommendation for students who wish to strengthen their curriculum vitae, increasing the possibility for acceptance in musical institutions, colleges and universities, as well as scholarship and grant applications.
*Cash prizes will be awarded at the discretion of the jury. The jury reserves the right to not award any of the prizes; (ex aqueo) splitting a prize between several contestants. Decisions of the adjudicators are FINAL.
Top Winners' Laureate Circle
Top prize winners (including Gold, Platinum & Diamond laureates) will automatically be admitted into the Grand Maestro International Music Competition laureate circle. Online concert performance opportunities will be available to facilitate the performance experience and career of developing musicians.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation for winners of 4 consecutive years will be provided upon request which are useful for scholarship applications as well as college, university application.
Teachers' Certificates
Teachers of winners may receive certificates of recognition upon request.
RULES & REGULATIONS
Categories: All Instruments including all classical musical instruments (e.g. Piano, Strings, Wind, Brass, Percussion, Harp, Accordion, Percussion and any orchestral instrument) & Voice, Traditional and Ethnic instruments
Performance: Solo, Duo, Trio, Ensembles, Choir, Orchestra
Music Composition
Participants can submit a link of a video recording of their performance. One piece of music per application.
For music composition category, a recorded performance (either a recorded live performance, or a performance presented via midi uploaded on youtube) will be accepted.
Incomplete applications or failure to submit all the required documents will not be taken into consideration.
If a member of the jury has taught a competitor within the last five years, he/she will abstain from assessing that competitor.
Candidates cannot claim legal rights to recordings, photos or broadcasts that may be made in connection with the competition. All legal rights are reserved by the Grand Maestro International Music Competition and no fee is payable to any competitor for performances, photos, recordings, social media or television broadcasts.
VIDEO REQUIREMENTS
An unedited video of the performance forwarded to us as a Youtube link. Edited videos will not be accepted.
Video submitted must be recorded after 1st July 2022 (within one year of the date of application).
Duration of a piece: There is no limitation to the duration of the piece. However, it must be either one piece of music (complete in one movement) or one movement of a larger scale work (such as a sonata or concerto).
Make sure that the video is set to either PUBLIC or UNLISTED on Youtube. Private links on Youtube are not openable and hence will not be accepted. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the video link is openable.
We do not accept any videos in form of a downloadable link.
The video must clearly show the face and hands of the performer.
Professional quality recording is not mandatory. However, the sound must be clearly audible.
For music composition category, a recorded performance (either a recorded live performance, or a performance presented via midi uploaded on youtube) will be accepted. Note that we do not accept any files that require download. Only Youtube links will be accepted.
Applicants have the option to choose to use either the same video or different videos for preliminary and final rounds.
On the video, please clearly indicate whether the video is for the Preliminary or Final Round of Grand Maestro International Music Competition. Also include the name of the applicant, and the title of the repertoire.
Please DO NOT introduce yourself in the video.
Please note that we do not accept video files that require download. Do not submit any video files through a link to Google drive.
Categories: Participants will be judged based on the quality of performance based upon age and experience (duration of study of their instrument). Applicants will be automatically grouped by age and level.
Category Divisions (for both Performance and Composition):
Pre-Junior - Ages 6 and under
Junior - Ages 7 to 11
Youth - Ages 12 to 16
Collegiate - Ages 17 and above (Music Majors, Conservatory students)
Professional - Ages 21 and above (Performers with professional performance degrees or with comparable performance standards)
Adult Amateur - Ages 21 and above (non-music majors)
Rachmaninoff Category - All ages - must perform a piece by Sergei Rachmaninoff
Repertoire requirement: Free repertoire choice. One piece of music per application. One piece of music (free choice) that is reflective of the applicant's current level of performance. One piece of music refers to a piece of music that contains only one movement, or one movement taken from a larger scale work, such as a sonata or concerto.
Applicants may choose to submit either the same piece or a different piece of music for the preliminary and final rounds. However, for the final round, applicants are required to submit videos of the same instrument as they passed in the first round, although the genre of music may differ.
Here are some examples:
Acceptable: Preliminary round (Piano solo / Classical ) - Final round (Piano solo / Any genre)
Acceptable: Preliminary round (Violin duo / Classical) - Final round (Violin Duo / Any genre)
Not Acceptable: Preliminary round (Piano Solo / Classical) - Final round (Trumpet solo / Any genre)
Not Acceptable: Preliminary round (Violin duo) - Final round (Composition for Violin)
If applicants have any queries, please email grandmaestrocompetition@gmail.com to clarify
* Multiple submissions: If applicants wish to submit different instruments and genres, they may make multiple submissions (for both the preliminary and final rounds).
Music Scores: Participants are required to submit electronic copies of their scores within 3 days of their application. The latest date for score submission is 25 September 2023. Failure to submit the scores in time may lead to disqualification. Please do not mail in physical scores. Only electronic score sent to the address below will be accepted.
Scores are only to be emailed to this address: score.grandmaestro@gmail.com
Memorization: Memorization is not mandatory. However, participants may choose to perform by memory. Extra bonus marks will be awarded to performances delivered by memory.
One application per piece of music. Candidates are required to make a second application should they wish to play more than one piece of music (same instrument) or to compete in another instrument, genre or category.
Candidates who fail to submit their videos by the video submission deadline will be disqualified.
All application fees submitted are non-refundable.
Application Fees (PRELIMINARY ROUND):
$135 per application (per solo instrument)
$135 per individual participant for ensemble
For details of application fees for different sizes of ensemble teams, choirs and orchestras, please visit payment page.
Application Fees (FINAL ROUND):
$165 per application (per solo instrument)
$165 per individual participant for ensemble
For details of application fees for different sizes of ensemble teams, choirs and orchestras, please visit payment page.
Full payment must be made upon registration.
* Only applicants who have successfully passed the first round are eligible to apply for the second round.
Judging:
The decision of the jury is final and cannot be appealed.
Multiple awards may be given in each age category.
Any candidate who does not comply with the competition’s regulations, or providing false or incorrect information will be disqualified.
Terms and conditions:
(1) All application fees are non-refundable.
(2) For absolute fairness, judges who have previously taught or coached applicants (including in masterclasses) are not allowed to judge their performances.
(3) The decision of the jury is final with no appeal.
(4) Grand Maestro International Music Competition will not respond to questions about other applicants or regarding their submissions.
(5) All information provided to us will be safe-guarded by privacy regulations.
(6) Attempts to privately contact any of the jury members (for any form of consultation, notwithstanding lessons, masterclasses) is strictly prohibited and will lead to disqualification.
(7) Grand Maestro International Music Competition reserves the right to make amendments to its rules and regulations.
(8) The award of prizes, trophies and cash awards are entirely subject to the discretion of the jury. Jury may withhold prizes if the performances are not up to standard.
(9) All the information provided to us in the application must be truthful. Provision of incorrect or inaccurate information will result in disqualification.
(10) Provision of correct contact information and mailing address is the sole responsibility of the applicant. Grand Maestro International Music Competition will not be held responsible for any failure to communicate with an applicant or to unsuccessful delivery medals / trophies and prizes due to incorrect correspondence information provided by the applicant.
(11) Any attempts to sabotage the operation of our competition, or to damage the reputation of our competition will lead to immediate disqualification and risk legal action.
(12) By submitting an application to our competition, the competitor automatically agrees to fully abide to all rules and regulations stipulated by Grand Maestro International Music Competition.
Genres accepted include: Classical, jazz, contemporary, pop, traditional & ethnic music
Repertoire: Free choice of works by all composers - Not limited to music of Rachmaninoff.
Applicants of each category will be placed in the appropriate age group(s) based on experience.
There is no age limit imposed for this competition.
Ensemble size: There is no limit to the number of participants in the ensembles. Small, medium, large ensembles as well as choirs and orchestras are welcome to participate.
This competition includes 2 rounds - the PRELIMINARY ROUND & the FINAL ROUND
Application Deadline for PRELIMINARY ROUND:
Accepting applications for First Round: starting from 22 July 2023
Application deadline for Preliminary Round: 5th October 2023 Eastern Time at 23:59
Video Submission Deadline: 5th October 2023 Eastern Time at 23:59
Judging Period: 7th October 2023 to 11th October 2023
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS for PRELIMINARY ROUND 12th October 2023
First Round Results will be posted on our website
Application Deadline for FINAL ROUND:
Application Deadline: 22 October 2023 Eastern Time at 23:59
Video Submission Deadline: 22 October 2023 Eastern Time at 23:59
Judging Period: 24 October to 3 November 2023
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS for FINAL ROUND : 10th NOVEMBER 2023 at 23:59 Eastern Time
MARKING SYSTEM (for Final Round)
Diamond Award: 98-100%
Platinum: 95-97%
Gold: 90-94%
Silver: 85-89%
Bronze: 80-84%
Honorary mention: 76-79% and above
Certificate of Participation
PRIZES and AWARDS (For Final Round only)
* Prizes are awarded to Final Round winners only. The results of the first round only indicates whether a participant is accepted into the Final Round
*Cash prizes at the discretion of the jury
*Winners will receive medals and certificates
*Top Prize winners will be featured on our competition website and social media sites with a concert portrait, biography, and their prize winning video. Special poster featuring top prize winners.
* Winners of final round will be featured on major news media such as FOX, ABC, MSNBC, and other channels
* 2023 SPECIAL RACHMANINOFF PRIZE - for top prize winner in the Rachmaninoff Category includes a special trophy, medal, certificate, performance recording distribution to Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube Music, music album cover design
SPECIAL: Top winners will be featured in an online interview.
Besides offering prizes, trophies, medals and certificates to winners, we also provide letters of recommendation for students who wish to strengthen their curriculum vitae, increasing the possibility for acceptance in musical institutions, colleges and universities, as well as scholarship and grant applications.
*Cash prizes will be awarded at the discretion of the jury. The jury reserves the right to not award any of the prizes; (ex aqueo) splitting a prize between several contestants. Decisions of the adjudicators are FINAL.
Top Winners' Laureate Circle
Top prize winners (including Gold, Platinum & Diamond laureates) will automatically be admitted into the Grand Maestro International Music Competition laureate circle. Online concert performance opportunities will be available to facilitate the performance experience and career of developing musicians.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation for winners of 4 consecutive years will be provided upon request which are useful for scholarship applications as well as college, university application.
Teachers' Certificates
Teachers of winners may receive certificates of recognition upon request.
RULES & REGULATIONS
Categories: All Instruments including all classical musical instruments (e.g. Piano, Strings, Wind, Brass, Percussion, Harp, Accordion, Percussion and any orchestral instrument) & Voice, Traditional and Ethnic instruments
Performance: Solo, Duo, Trio, Ensembles, Choir, Orchestra
Music Composition
Participants can submit a link of a video recording of their performance. One piece of music per application.
For music composition category, a recorded performance (either a recorded live performance, or a performance presented via midi uploaded on youtube) will be accepted.
Incomplete applications or failure to submit all the required documents will not be taken into consideration.
If a member of the jury has taught a competitor within the last five years, he/she will abstain from assessing that competitor.
Candidates cannot claim legal rights to recordings, photos or broadcasts that may be made in connection with the competition. All legal rights are reserved by the Grand Maestro International Music Competition and no fee is payable to any competitor for performances, photos, recordings, social media or television broadcasts.
VIDEO REQUIREMENTS
An unedited video of the performance forwarded to us as a Youtube link. Edited videos will not be accepted.
Video submitted must be recorded after 1st July 2022 (within one year of the date of application).
Duration of a piece: There is no limitation to the duration of the piece. However, it must be either one piece of music (complete in one movement) or one movement of a larger scale work (such as a sonata or concerto).
Make sure that the video is set to either PUBLIC or UNLISTED on Youtube. Private links on Youtube are not openable and hence will not be accepted. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the video link is openable.
We do not accept any videos in form of a downloadable link.
The video must clearly show the face and hands of the performer.
Professional quality recording is not mandatory. However, the sound must be clearly audible.
For music composition category, a recorded performance (either a recorded live performance, or a performance presented via midi uploaded on youtube) will be accepted. Note that we do not accept any files that require download. Only Youtube links will be accepted.
Applicants have the option to choose to use either the same video or different videos for preliminary and final rounds.
On the video, please clearly indicate whether the video is for the Preliminary or Final Round of Grand Maestro International Music Competition. Also include the name of the applicant, and the title of the repertoire.
Please DO NOT introduce yourself in the video.
Please note that we do not accept video files that require download. Do not submit any video files through a link to Google drive.
Categories: Participants will be judged based on the quality of performance based upon age and experience (duration of study of their instrument). Applicants will be automatically grouped by age and level.
Category Divisions (for both Performance and Composition):
Pre-Junior - Ages 6 and under
Junior - Ages 7 to 11
Youth - Ages 12 to 16
Collegiate - Ages 17 and above (Music Majors, Conservatory students)
Professional - Ages 21 and above (Performers with professional performance degrees or with comparable performance standards)
Adult Amateur - Ages 21 and above (non-music majors)
Rachmaninoff Category - All ages - must perform a piece by Sergei Rachmaninoff
Repertoire requirement: Free repertoire choice. One piece of music per application. One piece of music (free choice) that is reflective of the applicant's current level of performance. One piece of music refers to a piece of music that contains only one movement, or one movement taken from a larger scale work, such as a sonata or concerto.
Applicants may choose to submit either the same piece or a different piece of music for the preliminary and final rounds. However, for the final round, applicants are required to submit videos of the same instrument as they passed in the first round, although the genre of music may differ.
Here are some examples:
Acceptable: Preliminary round (Piano solo / Classical ) - Final round (Piano solo / Any genre)
Acceptable: Preliminary round (Violin duo / Classical) - Final round (Violin Duo / Any genre)
Not Acceptable: Preliminary round (Piano Solo / Classical) - Final round (Trumpet solo / Any genre)
Not Acceptable: Preliminary round (Violin duo) - Final round (Composition for Violin)
If applicants have any queries, please email grandmaestrocompetition@gmail.com to clarify
* Multiple submissions: If applicants wish to submit different instruments and genres, they may make multiple submissions (for both the preliminary and final rounds).
Music Scores: Participants are required to submit electronic copies of their scores within 3 days of their application. The latest date for score submission is 25 September 2023. Failure to submit the scores in time may lead to disqualification. Please do not mail in physical scores. Only electronic score sent to the address below will be accepted.
Scores are only to be emailed to this address: score.grandmaestro@gmail.com
Memorization: Memorization is not mandatory. However, participants may choose to perform by memory. Extra bonus marks will be awarded to performances delivered by memory.
One application per piece of music. Candidates are required to make a second application should they wish to play more than one piece of music (same instrument) or to compete in another instrument, genre or category.
Candidates who fail to submit their videos by the video submission deadline will be disqualified.
All application fees submitted are non-refundable.
Application Fees (PRELIMINARY ROUND):
$135 per application (per solo instrument)
$135 per individual participant for ensemble
For details of application fees for different sizes of ensemble teams, choirs and orchestras, please visit payment page.
Application Fees (FINAL ROUND):
$165 per application (per solo instrument)
$165 per individual participant for ensemble
For details of application fees for different sizes of ensemble teams, choirs and orchestras, please visit payment page.
Full payment must be made upon registration.
* Only applicants who have successfully passed the first round are eligible to apply for the second round.
Judging:
The decision of the jury is final and cannot be appealed.
Multiple awards may be given in each age category.
Any candidate who does not comply with the competition’s regulations, or providing false or incorrect information will be disqualified.
Terms and conditions:
(1) All application fees are non-refundable.
(2) For absolute fairness, judges who have previously taught or coached applicants (including in masterclasses) are not allowed to judge their performances.
(3) The decision of the jury is final with no appeal.
(4) Grand Maestro International Music Competition will not respond to questions about other applicants or regarding their submissions.
(5) All information provided to us will be safe-guarded by privacy regulations.
(6) Attempts to privately contact any of the jury members (for any form of consultation, notwithstanding lessons, masterclasses) is strictly prohibited and will lead to disqualification.
(7) Grand Maestro International Music Competition reserves the right to make amendments to its rules and regulations.
(8) The award of prizes, trophies and cash awards are entirely subject to the discretion of the jury. Jury may withhold prizes if the performances are not up to standard.
(9) All the information provided to us in the application must be truthful. Provision of incorrect or inaccurate information will result in disqualification.
(10) Provision of correct contact information and mailing address is the sole responsibility of the applicant. Grand Maestro International Music Competition will not be held responsible for any failure to communicate with an applicant or to unsuccessful delivery medals / trophies and prizes due to incorrect correspondence information provided by the applicant.
(11) Any attempts to sabotage the operation of our competition, or to damage the reputation of our competition will lead to immediate disqualification and risk legal action.
(12) By submitting an application to our competition, the competitor automatically agrees to fully abide to all rules and regulations stipulated by Grand Maestro International Music Competition.