Competition Regulations & Rules

1. Eligibility

The Global Music Excellence Awards is open to musicians of all ages, nationalities, and levels. Participants may enter as soloists or ensembles.

2. Disciplines

Applications are accepted in Piano, Strings, Voice, Woodwinds, Brass, Guitar, Harp, Percussion, Chamber Music, Composition, Conducting, and Traditional & Folk Instruments.

The Global Music Excellence Awards welcomes traditional and folk instruments from all countries and regions, including but not limited to Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, Vietnamese, Indian, Middle Eastern, African, Latin American, and Indigenous musical traditions.

3. Competition Format

The Global Music Excellence Awards is held four times annually and consists of two rounds:

• Screening Round
  • Free entry
  • Online video submission
• Championship Round
  • By invitation only
  • Championship Round fees apply

4. Divisions and Age Classification

Solo Division

Ensemble Division

The participant's division is determined by their age on the application deadline.

For ensembles and bands, the division is determined by the average age of all members on the application deadline.

5. Repertoire Requirements

• Participants may perform repertoire of their own choice.
• Music from any period, style, tradition, or culture is accepted.
• Original compositions are permitted.
• One movement from a larger work may be considered one piece.
• Memorization is encouraged but not required unless specified by the discipline.

Performance Time Limits

Solo Division

Ensemble Division

6. Video Requirements

• Videos must clearly show the performer.
• Videos may be submitted via YouTube, Google Drive, or other accessible links.
• Excessive editing, audio enhancement, or visual effects are not permitted.

7. Awards

Award recipients will be selected based on the judges' evaluations. Award levels may include:

• Grand Prize Award
• Gold Award
• Silver Award
• Bronze Award
• Honorable Mention

Special Awards

At the discretion of the jury, the following special awards may be presented:

• Best Baroque Period Work Award
• Best Classical Period Work Award
• Best Romantic Period Work Award
• Best Impressionist Period Work Award
• Best 20th/21st Century Work Award
• Best Contemporary Work Award
• Best Virtuosic Performance Award
• Jury Distinction Award
• Best National / Traditional Instrument Performance Award
• Best Chamber Music Performance Award
• Best Original Composition Award (if composition categories are offered)

Grand Prize Awards are reserved for participants demonstrating exceptional artistic and technical achievement. The jury reserves the right not to award a Grand Prize in any division.

The jury reserves the right to withhold awards or to present multiple awards within the same category if deemed appropriate based on the overall level of performance.

All participants will receive an electronic certificate.

8. Winners Gala Concert

• Outstanding winners may be invited to perform at the annual Global Music Excellence Awards Winners Gala Concert in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
• Invitations are based on artistic merit, program suitability, and venue availability.
• Participation is optional and subject to separate registration requirements.
• Travel, accommodation, meals, and other related expenses are the responsibility of the participant.

9. Jury Decisions

All jury decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

10. Rights and Permissions

By submitting an application, participants grant the Global Music Excellence Awards permission to use submitted materials, recordings, biographies, and photographs for promotional, educational, and archival purposes.

11. Acceptance of Regulations

Submission of an application constitutes acceptance of all regulations and decisions of the Global Music Excellence Awards.