New York International Young Musician Competition 2026: Organ, Harp, Brass and Voice Video Entries by 22 November
An online contest beyond solo piano
The sixth New York International Young Musician Competition is currently accepting worldwide entries across many classical fields, including keyboard instruments such as organ and harpsichord, strings and harp, woodwind, brass, classical and musical-theatre voice, and chamber ensembles from duo to octet. The advertised age range is six to 29. Jazz and popular music are explicitly excluded from the competition's voice categories, so candidates working in these styles should not assume their repertoire qualifies.
Two submission deadlines, two price levels
The regular application deadline is 22 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. US Eastern Time. A late-entry period lasts through 6 December 2026. For soloists, the entry charge is US$150, increasing to US$180 for late registration. Chamber-music applications are charged US$90 per player, rising to US$120 per player in the late period. For a quartet, these per-person charges are not equivalent to a single US$90 ensemble fee.
Recording and category requirements
Applications are completed online and require a YouTube video of the performance, together with entrant identification and repertoire details. The organiser groups solo participants into separate age levels, so competitors should check their eligibility and the applicable performance length rather than choosing an arbitrary adult category. Electric instruments are not accepted as primary solo instruments except for use in accompaniment, and the published rules exclude orchestras and choirs as large ensembles.
Organizer history and applicant checklist
The NYIYMC website identifies the 2026 event as its sixth edition, publishes performance categories and application rules, and provides an official registration and payment flow. Applicants should review the current award details, any winners' event and the site's refund policies without presuming that an online prize comes with a paid New York performance or funded travel. Before entering, confirm the time zone, solo versus chamber fee, repertoire validity and availability of the video link.
Official application and organiser sources
Updated and researched 23 October 2026. Organisers may modify fees, dates, award conditions or repertoire. Check the current official rules before filing or paying.