Junior RIAM McCormack Competition 2026: €1,000 Wind and Percussion Bursaries, October 30 Deadline
The Dr Marie McCormack Competition at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin is offering two bursaries of €1,000 for eligible young wind, brass and percussion students in 2026. Applications close Friday, October 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. local time. The principal restriction is important: the competition is for students currently enrolled at Junior RIAM, not a general international competition open to visiting musicians or music-school students elsewhere. Previous winners are not eligible to re-enter under the published rules.
Instruments and who can apply
The competition encompasses Junior RIAM pupils in woodwind, brass and percussion. Participants must comply with the academy's current-student eligibility criteria and must not have already won this competition. Students and parents should verify their programme enrolment and discuss repertoire with their academy teacher before registering. Musicians based outside Ireland who do not study at Junior RIAM should look for a more suitable open competition instead.
Preliminary and final performance requirements
The first competition stage is scheduled for December 1, 2026, with a final on December 9. For the preliminary round, prepare approximately 5–10 minutes of music featuring two contrasting pieces; final-round repertoire is approximately 8–15 minutes. The contrasting repertoire should demonstrate musical expression and technical control, rather than simply two pieces of similar character. The academy publishes guidance on the available collaborative pianist arrangements.
Two bursaries, not a guaranteed payment
Two awards worth €1,000 each are advertised for successful competitors. These are competitive bursaries, so entering or reaching the final does not entitle a pupil to financial support. The published overview does not justify promising international travel funding, accommodation or general participation payments. Students should consult Junior RIAM regarding any repertoire changes and the nature of the bursary.
An established conservatory setting
The Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) is an established music conservatoire in Dublin, while Junior RIAM offers individual instrumental and musical training to younger musicians. The named McCormack award appears in RIAM's own student-competition information rather than an unaffiliated competition listing. Its direct institutional connection provides a clear point of contact for eligibility and procedures.
How to apply
Read the current Junior RIAM competitions page, check enrolment and past-winner conditions, submit by 5 p.m. on October 30, and plan repertoire in good time for the December 1 preliminary and December 9 final. Rules and dates may be updated by the academy; follow its direct instructions. Information reviewed October 25, 2026.
Official application / Offizieller Aufruf / Bando ufficiale
Organiser's original rules and application: https://www.riam.ie/junior-riam/junior-academy-individual-lessons/junior-riam-competitions