The cloud of the pandemic sent us scrambling to our screens to showcase and judge future generations of young virtuosi. Is it finally lifting?

Perhaps. But it is safe to say 2022 is looking more solid for competitions or, at least, for predicting and solidifying their information (be sure to check their websites for updates). Scrolling through the near-100 listings here, you’ll find quite a few looming application deadlines, along with live/streamed events in locations ranging from Ljublijana, Slovenia, to Cork, Ireland, to Flint, MI.

The stakes are high, the challenges vast. But the rewards—monetary, professional, and just knowing you tried for your personal best—are huge, not just for the participants, but for a field that celebrates constant rejuvenation.

Download the Guide ⤊ or scroll down ⤋ to view information for each competition

One of the most renowned and large-scale competitions of its kind takes place every year in four varying categories.

The invitation to participate in this competition is extended to young musicians, who are ready to launch an international career.

The Azrieli Music Prizes (AMP) offer opportunities for the discovery, creation, performance and celebration of excellence in music composition by awarding three prize packages each valued at $200,000 CAD: The Azrieli Commission for Canadian Music, the Azrieli Prize for Jewish Music and the Azrieli Commission for Jewish Music.

The 2023 7th IPEA International Percussion Competition is hosted by Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Shanghai Conservatory of Music International Percussion Center and IPEA International Percussion Education Association. The competition is an international event supported by the International Music Council.

Hailed by musicians, media and critics as one of the world's most important competitions for launching a professional career in violin, The Indianapolis will celebrate its 11th Quadrennial Competition in September 2022, searching the globe for the finest young talents and propelling them onto the concert scene.

The Olga Kern International Piano Competition will take place October 23-30, 2022. The final round will feature the Competition's finalists in performances with the New Mexico Philharmonic. In addition to a cash prize, the winner will be awarded concert engagements throughout the US and Europe and a professional recording.

The NATS Art Song Composition Award program's purpose is to stimulate the creation of quality vocal literature through the cooperation of singer and composer. The performance of the first place winning composition will be premiered at a NATS event.

The biennial NATS Artist Awards competition is designed to assist classical singers prepared to launch a professional career.

The National Musical Theatre Competition is seeking out the best emerging musical theatre soloists. Presented by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) as the FIRST national competition for the musical theatre soloist, winners are finding success on Broadway and other theaters across the country.

The exciting experience of NATS Student Auditions continues in 2022 with a national round for Classical, Musical Theatre, and Spiritual categories. Originally for classical repertoire only, NATS auditions now encompass musical theatre, other contemporary musical styles, and (in alternating years) the Hall Johnson Spirituals and American Negro Spirituals competitions.

The Walgreens National Concerto Competition is designed to give young musicians a positive learning experience in a competitive and supportive environment. Professional judges provide constructive feedback about what the student is performing well and what areas need improvement.

Begun in 1997 following a bequest to the Allentown Symphony Association from Edwin H. and Leigh W. Schadt, the competition alternates biennially between violin and cello.

The first prize includes a cash award of $12,000 and a solo concerto engagement with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra.

For string players ages 16-30. Entrants will submit a videotaped performance of two contrasting movements of a work written by J.S. Bach for unaccompanied string instrument (Sonatas, Partitas or Suites). Application Deadline: October 7, 2022. Finalists will play complete work at the finals on December 1, 2022. Grand Prize is $5,000 and Second Place is $1,000.

The March 4, 2023 Competition is for classical voce. Contestants must not be older than 35 on the day of the competition. The winner receives $6,000 and a guest performance with the Flint symphony Orchestra. Second place receives $2,500 and three runners-up each receive $1,000.

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir announces its 13th annual Christmas Carol Commission Competition as part of its commitment to the future of choral music.

Competition is international and open to all candidates of any nationality. It consists of five categories depending on the age of the candidate. The program is free and its duration depends on the category. Winners will participate in the gala concert in streaming on Live Concert Hall.

Founded in 1939, the Geneva Competition is one of the world’s leading international music competitions. It aims at discovering, promoting and supporting young talented artists, giving them the necessary tools to launch an international career. Next competition is Piano and Composition, October 22 to November 3, 2022.

Contestants have the chance to win up to $5,000 and to perform as a soloist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

The 49th Annual Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition takes place May 20-22, 2022, in South Bend, IN on the campus of The University of Notre Dame. The competition is open to ensembles with 3-6 members, and includes both senior and junior divisions. $44,300 in prize money will be awarded.

Quentennial international voice competition held in Helsinki, Finland. One of the world's leading singing competitions. Designed for outstanding young singers, it is known for its high standard, exacting repertoire, superb prizes and prestigious Jury. All rounds streamed globally live online, recorded, televised by the Finnish Broadcasting Company.

First Prize - $15,000; winner's recital at Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall; return engagement with Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and other performance opportunities.

Second Prize - $10,000

Third prize - $5,000

Medalist Prize (2)- $1,000

Sascha Gorodnitzki Memorial Prize - $1,000

ICCR presents a completely new format in which young conductors get a chance to work with numerous orchestras. The competition consists of six rounds, each with a different specialism. After selection rounds in June 2021, the jury has selected six finalists for the next rounds in spring 2022.

The competition takes place in ístí nad Orlicí, Czech Republic, the birthplace of the violin virtuoso and composer Jaroslav Kocian. The aim of the competition is to support young talented violinists, to create opportunities to meet and to compete with support and assistance of professional international juries.

The Fritz Kreisler International Violin Competition welcomes you to the world’s music capital, Vienna, at the wonderful Musikverein. The most important violin competition in Austria takes place on September 17-25, 2022. The Gala Final will be held at the Golden Hall with the ORF-Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marin Alsop.

Liszt Utrecht actively presents, develops and promotes piano talents from around the world. And by doing so it has become one of the prominent gateways to the international professional classical music scene for young musicians. The 2022 edition will highlight Franz Schubert.

The 1st Ljubljana Festival International Piano Competition will be held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from February 25 to March 4, 2023. It is open to pianists of any nationality born between 1992 and 2006 and organized with the aim of encouraging young and talented pianists and rewarding their excellence.

"The Mahler Competition" is one of the most important events of its kind anywhere in the world. It has attracted entries from more than 2,000 young conductors of all nationalities. It takes place where 1,000 years of history, world cultural heritage, enjoyment and nature form an ideal combination.

International Music Competition culminating in a Winners Concert in NYC (Merkin Hall in 2022). $5000 Grand Prix Award, thousands in other cash prizes. Esteemed panel of Judges. Video Quarterfinals, live Semifinals and Finals (Zoom available). Four age categories (no age limit for Adults). Voice, Piano, Strings, Winds/Brass, Composition, & Ensembles.

The MTNA National Competitions are the most successful and prestigious student competitions in the country. The purpose of the Music Teachers National Association Performance competitions is to provide educational experiences for students and to recognize exceptionally talented young artists and their teachers in their pursuit of musical excellence.

The National Federation of Music Clubs offers awards in several categories for ages 5 and up.

A first in the world of competitions and a unique feature of the NYIPC, no participant is eliminated throughout the competition. The Foundation presents a cash award to each of the contestants not receiving a major prize. The NYIPC includes seminars, master classes, ensemble playing, and concert and recital appearances.

Through exposure to an international jury of influential figures within the opera world, masterclasses, career development sessions, concert engagements and considerable cash prizes, participation in the Queen Sonja International Music Competition offers young artists a valuable kick-start to their careers.

The competition's objective is to discover and promote young talents at an early age as well as to offer the chance of experience and interchange on an international basis. Young players shall become acquainted with the most important works of the violin literature.

The Claudette Sorel Piano Competition and Fellows Program is open to talented high school pianists of all nationalities. Designed to support and nurture young artists, we are looking for pianists with great artistic vision who are passionate about piano performance and repertoire. Contestants can choose their own repertoire.

The Competition celebrates the art of the song recital and honours the Lied’s place at the heart of the genre. The Competition has grown in status and prestige since its foundation in 1997 and continues to attract international singers and pianists keen to embark on significant recital careers.