International Classical Music Performance Competition (ICMPC)
Official Policies & Competition Rules – 2026
About the Competition
The International Classical Music Performance Competition (ICMPC) is an international music competition dedicated to music education, artistic exchange, and performance development. The competition encourages young musicians to participate in a supportive yet professional environment, helping them build confidence, stage experience, and artistic growth through live performance. ICMPC serves as a global platform for musicians of diverse cultural backgrounds to share their artistry and connect through classical music.
Instruments
Piano
Violin
Cello
Each participant will be evaluated within their own instrument category and age group.
Competition Format
The competition consists of two rounds:
Round I – Online Pre-Screening
Video submission (online)
Round II – Live Competition
Final Round participants will be invited to perform in person in Los Angeles, California
Important Dates
Application & Video Submission Deadline:
April 1, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Final Round Invitation Announcement:
April 6, 2026
Final Round (Live Competition):
April 26, 2026 (Sunday)
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
All students, parents, and teachers are cordially invited to attend the competition. A formal awards ceremony will be held immediately following the conclusion of the event.
* The specific performance schedule will be announced approximately two weeks prior to the competition date.
Selected participants are strongly advised to reserve April 26, 2026 in advance.
Live Competition Venue
Salit Conservatory of Music
1001 W Riverside Dr
Burbank, CA 91506
United States
Eligibility & Participation
The competition is open to participants of all ages and all nationalities.
All applicants can participate in more than one category. The fee and application must be submitted separately.
Age Eligibility
Age is determined as of April 1, 2026.
Age Divisions & Repertoire Requirements
(Applicable to Piano, Violin, and Cello)
Initiate Artist I – Ages 4–5
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Preliminary Round: Up to 2 minutes
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Final Round: Up to 2 minutes
Initiate Artist II – Ages 6–7
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Preliminary Round: Up to 2 minutes
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Final Round: Up to 2 minutes
Young Artists I – Ages 8–9
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Preliminary Round: Up to 3 minutes
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Final Round: Up to 3 minutes
Young Artists II – Ages 10–11
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Preliminary Round: Up to 5 minutes
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Final Round: Up to 5 minutes
Junior Artists – Ages 12–13
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Preliminary Round: Up to 5 minutes
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Final Round: Up to 5 minutes
Developing Artists – Ages 14–15
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Preliminary Round: Up to 5 minutes
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Final Round: Up to 5 minutes
Advancing Artists – Ages 16–17
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Preliminary Round: Up to 8 minutes
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Final Round: Up to 8 minutes
Professional Virtuoso Division – Age 18 and above (Music Majors)
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Preliminary Round: Up to 10 minutes
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Final Round: Up to 10 minutes
Amateur / Non-Music Major Division – Age 18 and above
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Applicants who have ever studied as a music major are not eligible for this division
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Preliminary Round: Up to 10 minutes
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Final Round: Up to 10 minutes
Repertoire Requirements
1. Repertoire must be classical music.
The repertoire for the first and second rounds can be the same, or different.
For the purposes of this competition,
the term “classical music” is defined broadly to encompass the Western classical tradition across its major historical periods, including:
• Baroque (c. 1600–1750)
• Classical (c. 1750–1820)
• Romantic (c. 1820–1910)
• Impressionist (late 19th to early 20th century)
• Modern and Contemporary (20th century to present)
Repertoire from any of the above periods is fully acceptable.
In general, any work rooted in the Western classical tradition is eligible for participation.
Please note that works primarily associated with non-classical genres—such as jazz, pop, or other commercial styles—
do not fall within the scope of this competition.
2. One or two pieces are permitted
3. For the Pre-screening Round (First Round) , applicants are encouraged to select a duration that best represents their artistic strengths and present their performance with confidence.
Each division has a time limit. Videos exceeding the limit may still be submitted; however, only the portion within the official time limit will be evaluated. Additional playing time will not affect the result.
4. For the second-round (live performance),
we’ll have a timekeeper on site who will ring a bell to signal the time
within your group’s allotted time limit.
5. Memorization is required for all divisions
6. For String competitors-
both the first and second rounds, piano accompaniment is optional for string participants.
Video Submission Guidelines (Round I)
1. One continuous, unedited take
2. Recorded within the competition’s specified timeframe
3. Clear audio and video quality required
4. No editing, splicing, or sound enhancement
Each division has a time limit.
Videos exceeding the limit may still be submitted;
however, only the portion within the official time limit will be evaluated.
Additional playing time will not affect the result.
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Accepted platform: YouTube (Public or Unlisted link)
Registration Fee & Payment
Registration Fee: USD $100 per participant
Fees are non-refundable
Payment Methods
Please include the participant’s full name and division in the payment message.
Zelle
Phone: 323-229-7725
Name: Jiafu Yu
Venmo
Phone: 323-229-7725
Name: Jeff Yu
Payment Confirmation and Registration Validation
Upon completion of the registration fee payment, applicants must complete the following steps:
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Retain a clear screenshot of the completed payment transaction.
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Email the following materials to icmpcompetition@gmail.com:
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Participant’s full legal name
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Applicable division
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Screenshot of the payment confirmation
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Registration will be considered valid and complete only after the payment confirmation has been received and verified by the Competition Administration. Failure to submit the required materials may result in an incomplete or invalid registration.
Results & Awards
*All decisions rendered by the Jury are final and binding, and are not subject to appeal.
The International Classical Music Performance Competition (ICMPC) recognizes outstanding artistic achievement through the following honors:
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Gold Award
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Silver Award
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Bronze Award
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Outstanding Performance Award
Competition results and award recipients will be formally announced following the conclusion of the competition.
Participants who are unable to attend the award ceremony are kindly requested to notify the front desk in advance. Arrangements will be made for the collection of trophies and certificates accordingly.
Permissions & Agreement
By submitting an application, participants agree that:
All information provided is accurate
Submitted materials may be used for evaluation purposes
Photos and videos may be used for promotional and educational purposes
Contact Information
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our team is dedicated to providing timely and professional assistance.
