As a student musician, participating in string music competitions is a great way to display and develop your playing skills. But, competitions also provide an opportunity to meet others who share your enthusiasm, offer you a chance to win awards and prizes, and give you a sense of accomplishment. In fact, the benefits created by becoming involved in such challenges translate into a learning experience that simply can’t be achieved through any other activity.
Each year, students around the globe audition for a variety of string music competitions. The opportunities that are available include monetary prizes, scholarships, and chances to participate in global tours. Regardless of your skill level, string music competitions provide ways to enhance your performance ability while meeting great instructors and other musicians who have the same goals and interests. Definitely try out for these upcoming competitions, located throughout the country. You’ll never be sorry that you gave it a shot.
1.Young Artist String Competition for Pre-College Students
This exciting competition, hosted by the Music Department in the College of Charleston School of the Arts is available for high school students (grades 9-12). Particularly designed to encourage talented student string musicians, this relatively new competition offers cash prizes, scholarship awards, and the opportunity to participate at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival Young Artist Series.
The competition dates are just around the corner though, so if you’re interested, you’ll need to hustle to submit your application by the deadline, which is November 1, 2016. The competition, which takes place on November 22, offers students the chance to participate in an excellent learning and development experience.
2. National Solo Competition Award
The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) offers a number of string music competitions. The National Solo Competition Award has been altered from previous years, and is now orchestrated through local state chapters, which gives greater opportunities for students to engage in this rewarding competition. Depending on where you are located, you can choose your state here to view contact information about your local chapter.
3. National Orchestra Festival
This festival is held in conjunction with the ASTA, and it brings together entire orchestras from around the country into one instructive, beneficial competition. Although the 2016 string music competitions have already taken place, now is the time to have your instructor arrange for your group entry for 2017. Youth Orchestras, Middle School, and High School Orchestras are selected as participants and receive placement and ratings, as well as comments and instruction from yearly judges.
Moreover, each group that participates is given an educational clinic after their performance, and each student has the opportunity for additional instructional clinics. There are two grand champions chosen from among the divisions (public and private schools), and the winners perform at the National Orchestra Festival concert. The performance development that this competition provides helps transform the abilities of young musicians.
4. National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America
For string music competitions, this one has a longstanding reputation for excellence. Students aged 16-19 are able to audition for the chance to take part in this outstanding competition that is hosted at Carnegie Hall each year. However, if you want to apply for the 2017 competition, you need to get moving. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2016.
Winners are provided with an intensive two-week training residency that is conducted by professional musicians. Then, the chosen orchestra performs at Carnegie Hall, followed by a world tour that visits a number of great music capitals, including those in South America and China. As musical ambassadors, students are given an expansive view of global cultures and experiences.
This outstanding opportunity greatly depends on the audition video you send in, so you’ll want to follow the instructions carefully and take care that you submit your finest performance examples.
5. National Federation of Music Clubs
This association organizes an impressive list of local, state, and national string music competitions, along with voice, composition, dance, and conducting. Students can view the extensive list of competitions and awards that total over $750,000.00, including one that provides two years of bookings. In addition, many awards include acceptance to the Summer Music Centers that they sponsor. By attending and participating in these string music competitions, students receive valuable instructions that will help expand and solidify their playing skills.
Trying out for these string music competitions helps build your ability and confidence. The opportunity to meet and profit by some of the best instructors in the country and interact with like-minded peers offers a wealth of training that isn’t possible through any other avenue. Plus, the chance to receive scholarship funds, take exciting trips, and gain national recognition can help pave the way with college admission boards, or in other career endeavors. You’ll never know how far you can reach unless you try.
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