Music Matters International Music Competition

In-Person Music Competition in Bellevue, WA

The competition is open to remote and in-person performances of piano, Piano four hands, Violin, Viola, Cello, String Duet, String Trio, and String Quartet.

The in-person applicants must be enrolled by May 18th, 2025.

The Digital (Remote) competition must be submitted by May 30th, 2025.

The registration fee is a non-refundable application fee due with the application.

Make sure to read all rules and regulations before submitting your application.

Competition Schedule

The In-Person Competition will be held in Bellevue, WA, on June 6th, 2025
The In-Person Competition Deadline is May 18th, 2025.
The Digital Competition Submission Deadline is May 30th, 2025.
Winners will be announced on the Music Matters website by June 18th
Winners of each competition division will be selected through distinct processes, encompassing physical, in-person events and digital, virtual platforms.
The Honor Rising Star Concert is scheduled for June 26th at 5:00 pm

Rules and Regulations

Competitions Divisions

Elementary

Age: 6–9 on January 1, 2025
Competitions: Piano and String
Competition Type: Solo and Duet
Entry Fee $ 90 (Digital)
Entry Fee: $100 (In-person Solo)
Entry Fee: $55 (Duet)

Junior

Age: 10–13 on January 1, 2025
Competitions: Piano and String
Competition Type: Solo and Duet
Entry Fee $ 110 (Digital)
Entry Fee: $119 (In-person Solo)
Entry Fee: $65/person (Duet)

Intermediate

Age: 14–16 on January 1, 2025
Competitions: Piano and String
Competition Type: Solo and Duet
Entry Fee $128 (Digital)
Entry Fee: $135 (In-person Solo)
Entry Fee: $70/person (Duet)

Senior

Age: 17–19 on January 1, 2025
Competitions: Piano and String
Competition Type: Solo and Duet
Entry Fee $135 (Digital)
Entry Fee: $148 (In-person Solo)
Entry Fee: $85 (Duet)

College

Age: 20– 23 on January 1, 2025
Competitions: Piano and String
Competition Type: Solo and Duet
Entry Fee $160 (Digital)
Entry Fee: $171 (In-person Solo)
Entry Fee: $97 (Duet)

Chamber Music for Strings (3 to 5 performers)

Age: Ensemble members must be 14 - 18 on January 1, 2025
Competitions: Piano & String
Competition Type: Trio, Quartet, Quintet
Entry Fee $ 175 (Digital)
Entry Fee: $192 (In-person)
Entry Fee: $62/person

Apply Here

Prize

Awards:

The winners of the music contest will be determined based on the following categories:

First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded for the digital music contest.

First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded for the in-person music contest.

Selected winners will receive an invitation to perform at the Winners' Rising Star Honor Concert at Benaroya Hall. The Benaroya Hall is a concert venue that can be listed as one of the landmarks of your musical journey. In this hall, the most renowned worldwide artists have performed, such as Lou Reed, Arlo Guthrie, Yuja Wang, Lang Lang, Mahani Teave, Joe Hisaishi, Alexander Gavrylyuk, Marina Staneva, Evgeny Kissin, Florian Krumpöck, Jackson Browne, Yo-Yo Ma and more.

Each winner who performs at Benaroya Hall will receive a custom trophy, and participating instructors will receive a certificate of recognition for their efforts and contributions.

Winners who receive an invitation to play at the Winners' Rising Star Honor Concert and decide to decline and not travel will receive their diploma by mail.

The Small Appreciation Allowance made possible by the Music Matters Foundation Fund for winners who are going to perform at the Rising Stars Concert -

First Prize Winner Performance Stipend: $50
Second Prize Winner Performance Stipend: $40
Third Prize Winner Performance Stipend: $30

The national performance competition winners will receive a monetary fee if they perform at the Rising Star Concert, which will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on June 26th, 2025, in the Benaroya Hall—Nordstrom Recital Hall.