About the Competition

The Sergei Rachmaninoff International Music Competition is an online international event open to musicians of all nationalities.The competition aims to provide young musicians with the opportunity to present their performances to an international panel of musicians and educators. It welcomes a broad range of participants and encourages engagement across different musical backgrounds and traditions.

 

Categories

The competition is open in the following categories:

Piano, Piano Accompaniment, Harpsichord, Organ, Accordion, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Guitar, Harp, Flute, Oboe, English Horn, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Classical Voice, Musical Theatre, Drum Set, Marimba, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Piano Four Hands, Conducting, Composition

 

Age Groups

Participants are assessed within the following age groups:

7 years and under

8–17 years

18–25 years

26 years and above

 

Repertoire Requirements

Participants may submit one or two works.

The total duration must not exceed 15 minutes.

Composers may submit recordings of their own works in audio format.

 

Jury

The jury comprises experienced performers and educators from international conservatoires and music institutions.The decisions of the jury are final and not subject to appeal.

 

Awards

Grand Prize

First Prize

Second Prize

Third Prize

Diploma of Participation

Certificates and diplomas are issued within one month of the announcement of results.

Teachers of award-winning participants may also receive certificates of recognition.

 

Evaluation Criteria

Instrumental Performance

Technical control

Sound quality and tone production

Musical understanding

Repertoire suitability for age and level

Artistic communication

Vocal Performance

Repertoire suitability

Rhythmic accuracy

Stage presence and communication

Intonation and tonal quality

Vocal colour and consistency

Musical structure and interpretation

Conducting

Clarity of musical interpretation

Artistic awareness

Technical conducting control

Rehearsal effectiveness

Collaboration with ensemble

Composition

Overall artistic quality

Technical composition skills

Structural coherence

Originality

Suitability for performer and instrumentation

Accompaniment

Balance with soloist

Ensemble awareness

Technical fluency

Musical responsiveness

Artistic sensitivity

 

Application Fee

The application fee is £30 per participant.

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Important Dates

Application Deadline: 30 May 2026

Results Announcement: 30 June 2026​

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Organiser

World Classical Masters Association (WCMA)
Contact: info@wcma.online

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Past Grand Prize Winners