2025 The KAMSA Competition

The KAMSA Competition is held by the Korean-American Music Supporters’ Association and is open to young pre-college musicians in the following instrument and age categories (age as of January 26, 2025)

Violin Solo	Elementary	Ages 9 to 11
	Junior	Ages 12 to 14
	Senior	Ages 15 to 18
Viola Solo (No Elementary)	Junior	Ages 12 to 14
	Senior	Ages 15 to 18
Cello Solo	Elementary	Ages 9 to 11
	Junior	Ages 12 to 14
	Senior	Ages 15 to 18
Piano Solo	Primary	Ages 8 and under
	Elementary	Ages 9 to 11
	Junior	Ages 12 to 14
	Senior	Ages 15 to 18
Winds and Brass Solo (No Elementary)	Junior	Ages 12 to 14
	Senior	Ages 15 to 18

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The competition will be held according to the following schedule:

• Application/Fee/Videos: Due on January 26, 2025 by 11pm
• Winners: Announced on February 16, 2025
• Awards (Prizes and Certificates): All winners must be present at the award ceremony on Mar. 8, 2025. First prize winners must be ready to perform in person at the winners’ concert on Mar. 8, 2025. Failure to show up at the concert could result in cancellation of the prize.

Video recording requirements: Please observe the requirements carefully. Any video that doesn’t fulfill the requirements will be disqualified.

• Recorded after July 1, 2024
• Video being neither too close nor too far
• Violin, viola and cello including whole upper body, face, both hands, bow and instrument
• Piano showing both hands on the keyboard and the pedals
  
• Participant dressed in an appropriate manner
• Accompanist visible (if there is one) in the video recording in the background
• No editing of Video/Audio
• Upload two videos separately on YouTube.com as “unlisted” and provide the video links in the registration form
• Contestants must not submit the performance video with any type of orchestra, ensemble group or school band. Pieces that require accompaniment must be recorded with the piano accompaniment.

Application will be opened on November 19, 2024.

The following awards and certificates will be presented to top performers in each category:

• 1st Place: $200 Prize and Certificate
• 2nd Place: $100 Prize and Certificate
• 3rd Place: $50 Prize and Certificate
• Honorable Mention: Certificate

The repertoire and the required minimum playing time are as follows:

• Solo Category: Contestants must select two contrasting pieces from different music periods. One of the two pieces must be from either Baroque or Classical period. No repeats.
  
  
• There is no limit in playing time BUT the minimum playing time must be strictly observed. Any submitted video with less playing time than the required minimum time will be disqualified.
  
  

  	Piano	Cello / Violin	Viola / Wind and Brass
  Primary	No required minimum playing time	N/A	N/A
  Elementary	min 5 minutes or more	min 6 minutes or more	N/A
  Junior	min 7 minutes or more	min 8 minutes or more	min 7 minutes or more
  Senior	min 9 minutes or more	min 10 minutes or more	min 9 minutes or more

To apply, please provide the following:

• Submit Application, Fee, Videos and Required Documents via the link on KAMSA.org
• Acceptable Proof of Age Document: Driver’s license, Passport, or Birth Certificate
• Application Fee: $110 (Non refundable)

Please send emails to KAMSA.INFORM@GMAIL.COM if you have any questions.

RULES

1. Decisions by the judges are final.
2. The repertoire must be performed/recorded in its entirety (with cadenza) from memory. (Exception on “Theme and Variations”. Selected variations from its entirety with teacher discretion are acceptable.)
3. The repertoire must be performed with an accompanist if it’s required/written to be played with the piano.
4. The repertoire must be in the original form. No rearrangement is allowed.
5. The video and audio must not be edited.
6. Judges reserve the right to declare no winners if contestants do not meet the necessary standard.
7. In the event of a tie, the prize will be shared.
8. “Judge Comments” regarding contestant’s performance will not be provided.
9. A past 1st Place winner cannot register again for the same age instrument category.
10. By submitting videos for the competition, the contestant gives KAMSA permission to duplicate, distribute, and modify the videos for public display of the contestant's performance for the competition.
11. By submitting the application, the contestant waives any and all claims or actions against KAMSA and its judges, directors and volunteers that may arise from competitor's participation in the competition.

Apply Here!

Please submit your application here!

» SUBMIT APPLICATION

To complete your application successfully, please be sure to pay the application fee at the final stage of application.