REGULATIONS

1. APPLICANTS

The New York Classical Debut Awards is an international competition for classical musicians and singers, open to individuals of all ages and nationalities. Your instrument or chamber group must belong to one of the following categories:

Piano
Strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar
Winds: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, recorder, french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba
Voice: female and male voices (opera and lieder only)
Chamber ensemble: piano four hands, mixed ensembles from duo to octet.

2.WINNERS

The jury will assign a score to each candidate or chamber music group. The prizes will be awarded based on this ranking:

95- 100: 1st Prize
85 - 94: 2nd Prize
75- 84: 3rd Prize

3.WINNERS' CONCERT

The winners' concert will be held at the Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall on the following date and time:

Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 1 PM

The dress rehearsal will take place on the same day.

4.HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must fill out the online application, pay the application fee, and attach the required material.

Application fees:

$200 for soloists
$150 for each member of a chamber group.

The application deadline is:

FIRST DEADLINE: June 15, 2026

FINAL DEADLINE: July 15, 2026

Results will be sent within 10 days after the deadline.

5.APPLICATION RULES

Applicants must submit one or multiple video recordings through the application form. YouTube video links should be provided via the application form; alternatively, video files can be sent through WeTransfer to info@nyclassicaldebutawards.com upon agreement with the competition organizers.

The videos don't have to be professionally recorded; a smartphone or camera is sufficient. Ensure stable imagery and clear sound, showcasing your instrument and hands. Additionally, the video must not be edited and should be recorded within one year before the submission

5.REPERTOIRE AND AGE CATEGORIES

The accepted repertoire consists of standard classical music pieces, covering compositions from the Baroque era to contemporary composers. If you have questions or uncertainties about a specific piece or composer you intend to submit, please reach out to us for clarification.

We recommend the submission of two or three musical pieces, with attention to adhering to the prescribed total time limits.

Age categories determine recording time limits.

Age Categories:

NOTE: The category names are simply nicknames used to distinguish the categories and do not indicate the repertoire to be submitted.

The chamber music category is determined by the average age of the group members.

PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT

Piano accompaniment services will not be provided. Candidates wishing to apply with pieces that require piano accompaniment must register as a duo using the Chamber Music application form. This includes concertos featuring a solo instrument with piano accompaniment, which must also be considered a chamber music duo and require the Chamber Music application.

APPLY

6. WINNERS' RECITAL, PRIZES, AND RECITAL FEE

Multiple winners will be selected to perform at the Carnegie Hall. Winners pay a recital fee.

Soloists recital fee: $350

Chamber groups recital fee (for each member): $250

All winners participating in the Winners' concert will receive the following:

Listing on the winners’ online page with photo and bio
Hard copy diploma
Digital diploma for school and teacher
2 free tickets for the Winners' concert at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, on July 14, 2026

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOSHOOT

A professional photoshoot of the performance is available for an additional fee of $50. This fee applies to both soloists and chamber groups.

The professional photoshoot fee must be paid at the same time as the recital fee, without exception.

Note: Only the professional authorized photographer is permitted to take photos during the concert. Taking photos and videos inside Carnegie Hall is strictly prohibited.

THE JURY

The jury is composed of a panel of professional musicians. The names of the jury members will not be disclosed. To ensure fairness, any jury member with a student among the candidates will abstain from voting.

REFUND POLICY

The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.

The recital fee is 50% refundable if the refund request is made within 30 days of payment. If you have paid the recital fee and later realize that you are unable to attend the concert, please contact the organization immediately.

If you notify us within 30 days of your recital fee payment, you are entitled to a 50% refund of the recital fee and a full refund of the photoshoot fee. Please note that transaction fees may apply during the refund process.

After 30 days from the recital fee payment, no refunds will be issued for the recital fee.

Refund of the photoshoot fee is available only if requested together with the recital fee refund, and it will be refunded in full (transaction fees may apply).

APPLY

IMPORTANT RULES

The application fee is non-refundable.
Incomplete or incorrect applications will result in disqualification without refund.
The jury selects the piece to be performed. The selected piece will be communicated in the invitation email.
Submission of an application does not guarantee participation in the Gala Concert. Applicants must wait for the results and carefully review the Winners’ Regulations.
Once the invitation email is received and the concert application is submitted, the repertoire may be changed up to 30 days before the concert date, subject to prior approval by the organization. Requests must be sent to info@nyclassicaldebutawards.com. The new piece must not exceed the original timing. Changes require submission of a specific form and a $50 fee.
Requests to submit a new piece exceeding the original timing by up to one minute may be considered, subject to approval, submission of a specific form, and an additional $50 fee.
In duo with piano performances, requests to change the accompanist may be considered, subject to approval, submission of a specific form, and a $50 fee. The new accompanist will not receive a winners’ diploma.
Winners must adhere strictly to the concert schedule and timing. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture without refund.
The jury’s decision is final. No feedback will be provided.
Photography, audio, and video recordings are prohibited inside Carnegie Hall.
Travel and accommodation expenses are the sole responsibility of the participants.
Hard copy diplomas will be presented at the Winners’ Concert. Participants who do not attend may request a digital diploma free of charge. Hard copy diplomas will not be mailed.
Performers waive any right to financial compensation for their performance.
Performers, and their parents or guardians where applicable, authorize NYCDA to use photos for promotional and marketing purposes.
NYCDA reserves the right to modify rules and schedules at any time.
In case of force majeure (e.g., severe weather, natural disasters, security issues) making the venue unavailable, the concert will be rescheduled. NYCDA is not responsible for any travel expenses incurred.
Participants under 18 must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian at all times during the event.
NYCDA is not liable for any loss, theft, or damage to persons or instruments during the event, including rehearsals and backstage.