Competitions

The ACMS faculty believes that well run youth music competitions can have a positive effect on young musicians. Competitions provide a much needed showcase for young people doing great things in music. When combined with good technical and musical preparation, as well as proper mental understanding of its purpose and usefulness, competitions can be a valuable tool for assessment and progress on an instrument.

There are several regional and national events that we support and send competitors to engage with their peers.

SAINT PAUL STRING QUARTET COMPETITION

Founded in 2006, the Saint Paul String Quartet Competition is a National event featuring the top high school string quartets in the country. The SPSQC's primary mission is to celebrate excellence in string quartet playing, foster an increased appreciation for the chamber music art form, and enhance the music culture in this country.

SPCO Youth Chamber Competition

This competition began in 2012. It is open to pre-college musicians. age 19 and under performing in non-conducted string and wind ensembles of 3-8 musicians playing classical chamber music repertoire. Students must be residents of Minnesota or neighboring states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

PCM Chamber Music Competition

The PCM Chamber Music Competition is a national, pre-collegiate award presented by the Pasadena Conservatory of Music.

PCM's 4th annual competition offers $12,000 in prizes and takes place at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music on March 28 - 29, 2020.

The competition is open to string quartets (violin, violin, viola, cello), piano quartets (violin, viola, cello, piano), and piano trios (violin, cello, piano) of U.S. and non-U.S. residents with an average age of 18 or younger on March 21, 2020.

2020 PCM Chamber Music Competition Awards:

1st prize $6,000
2nd prize $4,000
3rd prize $2,000

FISCHOFF

Founded in 1973 in South Bend, Indiana, USA, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition has grown to become the largest chamber music competition in the world, and one of the most prestigious classical music prizes attainable today. The 2019 Fischoff Competition is scheduled for May 10 - 12 on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, USA.

DISCOVER COMPETITION

The Midwest Young Artists 11th Annual Discover National Chamber Music Competition will be held on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at Ravinia Festival's Bennett Gordon Hall. The annual competition is designed to provide an educational as well as a competitive experience for young chamber ensembles. The competition is open to chamber ensembles in 12th grade and younger and is comprised of two divisions (Open and MYAC). The competition is open to all instruments and divided into the following two categories:

Strings & Piano; and
All Other Instruments (brass, percussion, voice, winds).