FAQs
Applications
Q: Is my application accepted? What do I do next?
A: Applications are processed by a staff member in the order they are received. Once your application is processed you will either receive confirmation and video submission instruction emails or an email requesting any incomplete materials (e.g. different repertoire). Note: our offices are closed from December 23, 2023-January 2, 2024. If you applied after December 21, we will be processing your application after January 3.
Q: Are there still openings in my division?
A: As of this writing, likely. Your application will be processed in the order of its receipt. If your division is full, you will be added to a waitlist and informed of your status. Divisions that regularly reach capacity before the deadline are: Piano II, Strings II, and Voice I; Other divisions that occasionally fill before the deadline are: Brass & Woodwinds III, Piano III, and Strings III. Most applications are received in the final two weeks. If you apply two or more weeks before the deadline, you are much more likely to receive a slot.
Q: My division is full. May I still apply and be on a waitlist?
A: Yes, you may apply to be on a waitlist. We will do our best to let you know 1-2 weeks before the competition date if you are accepted to compete.
Q: I am younger than the starting age/grade for my instrument category. May I still apply?
A: Students younger than the starting age/grade for their division may apply, but they will be put on a waiting list. If the division does not fill, they will be admitted to the division and may compete.
Eras & Repertoire
For this competition – particularly for composers on the edges of or overlapping eras – repertoire classifications are determined by a combination of composer active dates and genres, piece style/genre, and composition/publication/premiere dates.
Q: May I change my repertoire?
A: We will accept changes to repertoire up until January 21, 2024. After that date, we need to begin preparing competition judging materials, which contain repertoire information. Please send any repertoire change requests to Gweni Smith at [email protected]
Q: May cuts be made to the orchestral interludes in Concerti?
A: Yes, for concerti, cuts may be made to the orchestral interludes.
Q: What does “indicate the specific movement(s) that you are performing by number and tempo”? Do you need the metronome markings?
A: That means we need to know which movement (e.g. II, 4, or movement 1) AND the movement title or tempo indication (word not metronome). e.g. movement 3: Allegro or IV. Sarabande. We do NOT need metronome markings.