Hosted by the Nashville Symphony at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, this instrumental competition is held to promote, encourage, and support young musicians. 

ELIGIBILITY

Open to instrumental students ages 14-18 (student must fall between these ages at the time of the competition) who have not yet graduated from high school. There are no restrictions on past winners competing in consecutive years. 

AWARDS

Grand Prize: $4,000

Second Place: $2,500

Third Place: $1,000

*Please note, in the event of a tie, the cash prize for that placement will be divided evenly.

COMPETITION GUIDELINES

Round 1 – Outstanding performers are selected based on their virtual submissions to compete in the final round. Registration will open November 1, 2024, and will close on Friday, January 10, 2025.

• Complete and submit the online registration form, including video recording. All fields in the registration form must be complete and accurate. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Videos must be ten consecutive minutes or less in length, without cuts or alterations.
  • The student, their hand placement, and their instrument must be fully visible in the recording.
  • Repertoire must meet new requirements outlined below. 

• Complete and submit the media release form, signed by a parent or guardian.
• A confirmation email will be sent to you once your application is complete. 

Round 2 – Finalists from the first round of virtual submissions will be announced by Friday, January 31, 2025 to compete live in Laura Turner Hall on Monday, February 17, 2025.

• Contestants will provide their own accompanists and five copies of complete scores of their selections.
• Only judges, competition staff, student and accompanist are allowed in the warm-up and audition areas.
• Grand Prize winner may be considered for a performance of the winning concerto with the Nashville Symphony, and must be available for subsequent rehearsals.
• First, second, and third place winners will be selected and announced at the end of round 2 on February 17, 2025.

REPERTOIRE

The selection length must not exceed 10 minutes. Each contestant's selection is subject to approval. An applicant’s concerto movement may exceed 10 minutes; however, the selection performed in the competition must fit within this time constraint. If necessary, cuts may be made to the selection performed (preferably to tuttis in the accompaniment) for the competition and must be indicated in the scores provided.

Please note that applicants must be prepared to perform the entire movement, should they proceed to the final round, even if it exceeds the 10-minute limit. However, the judges reserve the right to stop the contestants at 10 minutes. The same piece must be performed during both rounds of competition.

As a part of the Nashville Symphony's mission to perform, promote, and commission new American music, we want to encourage students and studio instructors to explore music by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color) composers. This is NOT a requirement for entry; all concerto movements will be considered.

Need help choosing a concerto? Check out the Institute for Composer Diversity, or contact us for recommendations or further resources.

LOCATION

Round 1 will be virtual, and round 2 will be held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Directions will be made available to each finalist.

IMPORTANT DATES

November 1, 2024: Round 1 submissions open

January 10, 2025: Round 1 submissions close

January 31, 2025: Finalists announced

February 17, 2025: Finalists compete, winners announced

FOR FURTHER INQUIRIES

Please contact the Nashville Symphony Education Department:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 615.687.6398

Fax: 615.687.6530