20th Century Music Competition

APPLY NOW 
To apply, simply fill out the appropriate 20th Century Music Competition Application Form below:

Solo 20th Century Application Form

Duet 20th Century Application Form

Trio+ 20th Century Application Form

About Us

Entries: May 1 – 15 
Submit your video recordings for FREE

If you are approved by the judges to pass pre-screening, you can participate in the final round.

SCHEDULE 
May 1 – June 10

Free Entries:May 1 – 15
Pre-screening:May 16 – 20
Final Round Applications:May 21 – 25
Judging: May 26 – June 9
Prizes and Recognition Announcement:June 10

ELIGIBILITY
The 20th Century Music Competition is open to singers, instrumentalists, and ensembles of all ages and nationalities. All musical instruments, including piano, string instruments, wind instruments, and percussion, and music pieces or movements from composers who were either born or composed music during the 20th century (1901 – 2000) will be accepted.

AGES 
Musicians of all ages are encouraged to apply, especially young children who may not have much experience but are enthusiastic about sharing their musical abilities. We do not have any age restrictions and have had winners as young as 4 years old and other winners into their 70s. Please see the results of our previous competitions here as examples of how we usually determine age group categories.

CATEGORIES

  • Singers
  • Instrumentalists
  • Ensembles

Depending on the number and variety of applicants, we reserve the right to adjust the above categories accordingly. Please see the results of our previous competitions here as examples of how we usually determine instrument categories.

PRE-SCREENING

  1. You must perform a music piece or movement from a composer who were either born or composed music during the 20th century (1901 – 2000).
  2. Please fill out the appropriate 20th Century Application Form below:

FINAL ROUND

  • If you are approved by the judges to pass pre-screening, you will receive an email invitation with instructions on how to apply to the final round.
  • Keep in mind that the performance video you submit for the pre-screening round will be evaluated again for the final round.
  • Please do not be disheartened if you do not advance to the final round, as we receive applications from many talented musicians and can only approve a limited number to advance to the final round. Keep trying and never give up!
  • If you advance to the final round and grant us permission, you are guaranteed to be featured on our YouTube channel: Charleston International Music Competition.

JUDGING

  • A jury of qualified judges will evaluate your pre-screening and final round applications based on criteria for artistry. Please note that the decision of our judges is final and cannot be appealed.

PRIZES

  • Winners and their music teachers will receive personalized certificates of recognition, their portrait photo and music biography will be published on the results page of our website, and their performance will be shared on our YouTube channel: Charleston International Music Competition.
  • All finalists will also be eligible for $500 in prizes (Most Exceptional Performer Prize and Performer of the Month Prize).