APPLY NOW
To apply, click the 20th Century Application Form below:
ENTRIES: April 15 – May 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 (no traveling required).
SCHEDULE
April 15 – June 10
Free Entries: | April 15 – May 15 |
Pre-screening: | May 16 – 19 |
Final Round Applications & Finalists Uploaded to YouTube: | May 20 – 31 |
Judging: | June 1 – 9 |
Prizes & 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 3 years old and other winners into their 70s. Please see the results of our previous competitions here as examples of how we determine age group categories.
CATEGORIES
Please see the results of our previous competitions here as examples of how we determine instrument categories.
PRE-SCREENING
Simply submit the 20th Century Application Form at the top of this page.
FINAL ROUND
PRIZES
JUDGING
A jury of qualified judges will evaluate your pre-screening and final round applications based on criteria for artistry such as technical ability and musicality. Contestants are judged solely on their musical abilities and not on the basis of their race, gender, or other protected characteristics. Please note that the decision of our judges is final and cannot be appealed. Our judges consider both the relative and absolute strength of finalists’ performance videos, so the organizers of the Charleston International Music Competition reserve the right to not always award each prize in every age group and instrument category depending on the numeric ratings submitted by our judges on a scale from 1 to 10. The judges featured on the Our Judges website page include both current judges and past judges who have adjudicated our prior competitions. The Most Exceptional Performer is determined based on the nominations of our current judges. The Performer of the Month is determined based on our YouTube video analytics, which is responsible for verifying legitimate views. We do not control the number of views on the performance videos featured on our YouTube channel. By participating in our competitions, you agree to these rules and waive your right to dispute our allocation of prizes, including the Most Exceptional Performer Prize and the Performer of the Month Prize. No disputes or disagreements arising from the competition’s results will be entertained or reviewed. By adhering to these judging rules, our competitions will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner, providing a platform for recognition and appreciation that allows musicians to showcase their talent and skills.