3rd ISAC International Junior Music Competition (2027)

Eligibility: ages 3–17
Deadline: 31 January 2027, 23:59 GMT
Results: end of March 2027 (planned)
Entry fee: JPY 5,000 per performance; JPY 7,000 during the final 14 days
Written feedback: +JPY 3,000 per performance
Payment methods: credit card or PayPal only

Submission: a single continuous, unedited performance video, 30 seconds to 10 minutes. It must be playable without a login or password, and clearly show the participant, instrument, and performance.

Open the application and payment form

A record of growth through the ISAC International Junior Music Competition

700+ entries from around the world

Together, the first and second editions received at least 700 entries from young musicians around the world. Ise-Shima Art Company’s activities span more than ten years, including the composition workshops that preceded the company. We continue to create opportunities to learn and share music.

Fair assessment without personal influence

If a jury member has a teacher–student relationship, a family relationship or another direct personal connection with a participant, that jury member takes no part in scoring the participant’s performance, preparing feedback or jury deliberations concerning it. Performances are assessed as a whole, with consideration for age-appropriate achievement and the characteristics of the instrument or voice type.

Recognition for every valid entry

Every valid entry receives a Gold, Silver or Bronze Award, or an Encouragement Prize. Gold, Silver and Bronze recipients receive paper certificates by post; Encouragement Prize recipients receive PDF certificates by email. Certificates provide a lasting record of practice and participation, offering encouragement for the next goal. Invalid or disqualified entries receive no award.

A record of achievement for school and university applications

Awards and certificates can provide concrete evidence of sustained effort, progress towards goals and achievement beyond the classroom when applying to middle schools, high schools and universities. This can also be useful for schools and degree programmes outside music and the arts, where admissions processes consider extracurricular activities or personal statements. Include the exact competition name and the award actually received. Whether an award is considered, and how much weight it carries, depends on the institution and admissions process; it does not guarantee additional points or admission.

Sharing the work of teachers and music studios

Listing a student’s competition and award on a studio website or in its prospectus can help show the results of its teaching. Describing the studio as having taught an international competition prize winner can introduce its approach and activities to prospective students. The ISAC Teacher Award is presented to registered principal teachers who meet the conditions set out in the competition rules.

Eligibility, Video Submission, Judging and Awards

Eligibility: Open worldwide to participants aged 3–17 at the time the application form is submitted. Entries may feature any instrument, including traditional instruments, or solo voice, either unaccompanied or with accompaniment. The age category is based on the participant’s age on the date of application.
Video submission: Submit one free-choice piece as a single continuous, unedited video lasting between 30 seconds and 10 minutes. Set the video on YouTube, Youku, Vimeo or a similar service to public or unlisted, and ensure it can be played without a login, password or access request.
Judging: Performances are assessed holistically for technique, musicianship, expression, understanding of the work, overall structure and age-appropriate achievement, with consideration for the characteristics of the instrument or voice type.
Awards: Every valid entry receives a Gold, Silver or Bronze Award, or an Encouragement Prize. Gold, Silver and Bronze recipients receive paper certificates by post; Encouragement Prize recipients receive PDF certificates by email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I enter with a video recorded on a smartphone?

A. Yes. Professional recording equipment is not required. The video must clearly show the participant, instrument and performance, with sound quality suitable for adjudication.

Q. Are there rules about accompaniment or memorisation?

A. Unaccompanied performance, live accompaniment and recorded accompaniment are all accepted. Memorisation is optional; using a score neither adds nor deducts points.

Q. Does the number of video views affect the result?

A. No. Any displayed view count does not indicate whether judging has taken place and has no bearing on the assessment.

Q. When is the participant’s age determined?

A. It is the participant’s current age when the application form is submitted. There is no need to enter a date of birth or choose an age category.