Overview

The Australian Youth Classical Music Competition (AYCMC), held annually in the Victorian Regional City of Geelong, is a performance-based competition for young instrumental soloists. All instruments (except vocals) are welcome.

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The Competition offers opportunities for talented young Australian musicians to gain exposure and recognition in public performance on their chosen instrument and aims to assist them in furthering their studies through the provision of financial support.

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Commencing in 1991 as a National music competition for instrument soloists aged between 17 and 25, the Competition was expanded in 2005 by the addition of a separate Regional section (Geelong and environs, as per the Conditions of Entry) for young musicians up to and including 18 years of age.

 

Regional Applicants undertake a live audition in front of a Selection Panel of experienced musicians. Up to 12 competitors are selected to proceed to the Final concert, where they will perform before an Adjudication Panel and an audience.

 

National Applicants submit an audition video from which 8 Finalists are selected to perform in the National Final concert before an Adjudication Panel and an audience. The public may attend auditions and finals, all of which are free.  

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The Board of Directors of AYCMC and the Adjudicators expect a high level of technical ability as a standard requirement.  However, equal importance is placed on musicianship, flair and audience engagement, all of which are essential components in performance.

 

To quote Stephen McIntrye, who served as an AYCMC Adjudicator for a number of years and who is known, nationally and internationally, as one of Australia’s most eminent pianists and teachers:

 

"By reaching the final, all Finalists are winners"

 

and those words of wisdom have been adopted by the Australian Youth Classical Music Competition as its own maxim.​​​