Eligibility
The Competition is open to musicians of all nationalities, with specific age eligibility requirements for each division.
Application Forms
All Application Forms must be submitted using the form on the Competition website by the posted deadline for each division. Incomplete forms cannot be processed. After submission, applicants will receive a confirmation email with an application summary. Applicants are responsible for submitting their Application Forms on time and should keep a copy of their Application Form summary. The Competition is not responsible for Application Forms that aren’t received. If technical issues occur during the online application, candidates should email the Competition administration at [email protected] as soon as possible to resolve the issue before the deadline. To avoid issues, candidates are advised to upload all materials at least 48 hours before the deadline. The application fee, listed by division, is due upon submission and is non-refundable.
Application Review
All Application Forms and videos will be reviewed before being sent to the preliminary round jury. If needed, the Competition administrator may request additional information from candidates. Videos from candidates with incomplete applications or missed deadlines will not be considered for the preliminary round, and those candidates will not be admitted to the Competition. Applicants will not be rejected based on ideological, linguistic, political, religious, gender-related, or racial grounds.
Acceptance
Applicants will be notified once their submissions are accepted for evaluation by the preliminary round jury. Preliminary round results will be shared with contestants by the published deadline for their division, indicating whether they have been admitted to the semi-final round.
Preliminary Round Video Submission Guidelines
Recording Guidelines
- Audio & Video Quality: Ensure clear audio and video. Use a tripod or stable surface to prevent shakiness.
- Music Piece Recording: Record each piece in one unedited take without cuts, announcing the title and composer before each performance.
- Introduction: Record an introduction by stating your name, age, competition division, and category.
- Setup & Framing: Position the camera to show your instrument, hands, and body clearly throughout the performance.
Video Requirements
- Video Sequence: Combine recordings in this order—brief introduction, music piece 1 title and composer announcement + performance 1, and music piece 2 title and composer announcement + performance 2.
- Timing: The video should not exceed 16 minutes (1 minute for intro and announcements, 15 minutes for performances).
- Accompaniment: Live piano accompaniment is allowed but not required; recorded accompaniment is not permitted.
Video Upload
- Platform: Upload the final video to a public platform like YouTube, Vimeo, or Youku (do not send video files directly).
- Video Title: “2025 AFA Young Artist – [Your Full Name] – [Instrument]”
- Video Description:
- Full name
- Instrument
- Music title(s) and composer(s)
- Date of recording
- Privacy: Ensure the video is not marked “private.”
Video Link Submission
- Share the Link: Copy the video link and submit it via the official competition application form, ensuring the link is accessible.
- Deadline: Submit by the specified deadline. Late submissions may not be accepted.