Piano Competition by Composer

Rules and Application Instructions

Please read the following information thoroughly before filling out the application. Failure to comply with the following rules may result in disqualification. Only solo pieces are allowed. The US New Star Piano Competition by Composer will be held via .mp4 video file submissions. To apply, fill out the application form via the “Apply” button. Application forms must be filled out clearly and completely.

1. Age Groups

Applicants must select the correct age group on the application form that corresponds to their age as of March 15, 2024. The grouping are as follows:

2. Categories

There are four entry categories, defined by composer. Applicants can enter pieces for as many categories as they like. Applicants may enter only one piece per category.

◦ The music recording must be clear and free of background noise.
◦ The side of the applicant’s face must be visible in the frame. Both hands and the pedals must also be visible in the frame.
◦ The piece must be memorized.
◦ There is no time limit.
◦ The submitted video may not be used for any purposes except for submission in the competition.
◦ The video may not be edited.
◦ The video should be recorded by a single camera.
All recordings sent will not be returned and will be the sole property of US New Star Music, Inc. US New Star Music, Inc reserves the right to post the winners and their videos to the Internet.

All application forms, fees, and audition videos must be submitted no later than March 22, 2024 to be considered. The entry fee for each category is $75. A late fee of $20 per song applies if the application, fees, or video is submitted after March 15, 2024.

Application fees must be paid through the online application form via credit card payment (linked below). All application fees are non-refundable.

If applicants are missing application form information or choose to change their music or any application form information, they must resend the application form with all changes and resubmit the audition video if there is a change in music. Any missing fees should be sent in as well.

If any of the above changes are made, applicants must submit an application change form (linked below) in addition to the changed application form or video. An additional re-entry processing fee of $20 must be enclosed with the form.

Applicants may submit their videos through Google Drive, YouTube, WeTransfer, or some video or file sharing platform. All videos must be in .mp4 file format or uploaded online. An audio only file will not be accepted, and an application change request must be submitted, along with its respective form and fee. Each video file or title of the video should be named ‘2024 Composer Audition Video: (Applicant Name): (Composer Name)’. There will be a form field requesting for the link to the video in the online application form.

If submitted through Google Drive, the videos must be shared with competition@usnsmc.org and titled ‘2024 Composer Audition Video: (Applicant Name): (Composer Name)’.

If applicants choose to share their videos by e-mail, the files must be sent to competition@usnsmc.org. Applicants must change the subject of the e-mail to ‘2024 Composer Audition Video: (Applicant Name)’.

The winners of the US New Star Piano Competition by Composer will be announced on usnsmc.org by April 22, 2024. The adjudicators will be professional musician(s), unaffiliated with US New Star Music, Inc (you may visit their bios in the link below). Adjudicator(s) will select winners for each age group. Decisions of the adjudicator(s) are final.

The winners and their videos will be posted on the US New Star Music Competition website. Winners will be announced for each category for each age group. The winners of the US New Star Piano Competition by Composer will each receive a certificate, and the First Prize winners will receive a cash prize of $100 per category. Certificates and cash prizes will be sent by April 31, 2024 to the addresses of the applicants’ teachers. However, due to the increase of gas and postage prices of international mail, international winners would need to pay $75 to cover for the shipping and handling and processing fee of the physical certificate.