2024 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 21, 2024)

Violin SoloElementaryAges 9 to 11
JuniorAges 12 to 14
SeniorAges 15 to 18
Viola Solo
(No Elementary)
JuniorAges 12 to 14
SeniorAges 15 to 18
Cello SoloElementaryAges 9 to 11
JuniorAges 12 to 14
SeniorAges 15 to 18
Piano SoloPrimaryAges 8 and under
ElementaryAges 9 to 11
JuniorAges 12 to 14
SeniorAges 15 to 18
Winds and Brass Solo
(No Elementary)
JuniorAges 12 to 14
SeniorAges 15 to 18



The competition will be held according to the following schedule:

  • Application/Fee/Videos: Due on January 21, 2024 by 11pm
  • Winners: Announced on February 21, 2024
  • Awards (Prizes and Certificates): TBD


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

  • Recorded after July 1, 2023
  • 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


Application will be opened on November 21, 2023.


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.

    PianoCello / ViolinViola / Wind and Brass
    PrimaryNo required minimum playing timeN/AN/A
    Elementarymin 5 minutes or moremin 6 minutes or moreN/A
    Juniormin 7 minutes or moremin 8 minutes or moremin 7 minutes or more
    Seniormin 9 minutes or moremin 10 minutes or moremin 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. Awards (Prizes and Certificates) will be mailed individually.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.



The 2023 KAMSA Competition Winners

Violin

  • Elementary
  • 1st: Lisa Saito
  • 2nd: Katherine Jang
  • 3rd: Edan Leung
  • No Honorable Mention

  • Junior
  • 1st: Euisun Hong
  • 2nd: Hannah Lee
  • 3rd: Sydney Li-Jenkins
  • Honorable Mention: Aaron Ma

  • Senior
  • 1st: Roger Chen
  • 2nd: Joshua Cisneros
  • 3rd: Xinyan Shi
  • Honorable Mention: Sarah Son

Viola

  • Junior
  • 1st: Eleanor Gil
  • 2nd: Jennifer Kang
  • 3rd: Jenna Kim
  • Honorable Mention: Minjoon Jo

  • Senior
  • 1st: Wyeth Minami
  • 2nd: Bryan Im
  • 3rd: David Kim
  • Honorable Mention: Bomin Kim

Cello

  • Elementary
  • Honorable Mention: Annie Wang

  • Junior
  • 1st: Cara Wang
  • 2nd: Sara Flexer
  • 3rd: Aiden Kim
  • No Honorable Mention

  • Senior
  • 1st: Huisun Hong
  • 2nd: Yutae Jung
  • 3rd: Arissa Lee
  • Honorable Mention: Theodore Tak

Piano

  • Primary
  • 1st: Cailey Chong
  • 2nd: Natalie Wang
  • 3rd: Serena Chen
  • Honorable Mention: Elena Chen

  • Elementary
  • 1st: Avery Armstrong
  • 2nd: Sophie Deng
  • 3rd: Melissa Zhao
  • Honorable Mention: William Chen
  • Honorable Mention: Lynn Ueno
  • Honorable Mention: Paxton Radityo

  • Junior
  • 1st: Katelyn Deng
  • 2nd: Jiajing Liang
  • 3rd: Bryan Tian
  • Honorable Mention: Bridget Hoang
  • Honorable Mention: Gareth Lee
  • Honorable Mention: Claire Zhang

  • Senior
  • 1st: Ziyue Zeng
  • 2nd: Munan Cheng
  • 3rd: Vivian Kao
  • 3rd: Crystal Cheng
  • Honorable Mention: Jacky Zeng
  • Honorable Mention: Edward Huang

The 2023 KAMSA competition winner's concert will stream at 8pm on February 25th.