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Music Matters International Music Competition
Music Matters is pleased to announce that the 2026 Competition is now open for both In-Person and Remote (Digital) participation. We welcome entries for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello, as well as String Duets, Trios, and Quartets.
Deadlines & Requirements
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Registration Deadline: All applications for both In-Person and Digital tracks must be submitted by 11:59 PM on May 17th, 2026.
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Repertoire: Participation requires the performance of one complete work or movement (as specified in the repertoire guidelines).
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Application Fees: The registration fee is due at the time of application and is strictly non-refundable.
Submission Policy
Before submitting your enrollment, please ensure you have reviewed the Complete Rules and Regulations. By registration, contestants agree to abide by all judging criteria, technical requirements, and performance standards.
Competition Schedule
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The In-Person Competition will be held in Bellevue, WA, on May 30th, 2026
at Unity in Bellevue, located 6330 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA 98008
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The In-Person Competition Deadline is May 17th, 2026.
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The Digital Competition Submission Deadline is May 17th, 2026.
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Winners will be announced on the Music Matters website by June 7th.
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Winners of each competition division will be selected through distinct processes, encompassing physical, in-person events and digital, virtual platforms.
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The Honor Rising Star Concert is scheduled for June 25th at 5:00 pm
Competitions Divisions
Elementary
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Age: 6–8 on January 1, 2026
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Competitions: Piano and String
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Competition Type: Solo and Duet
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Entry Fee $ 92 (Digital)
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Entry Fee: $110 (In-person Solo)
Junior
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Age: 9–11 on January 1, 2026
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Competitions: Piano and String
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Competition Type: Solo and Duet
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Entry Fee $ 112 (Digital)
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Entry Fee: $121 (In-person Solo)
Intermediate
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Age: 12–14 on January 1, 2026
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Competitions: Piano and String
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Competition Type: Solo and Duet
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Entry Fee $128 (Digital)
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Entry Fee: $136 (In-person Solo)
Senior
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Age: 15–17 on January 1, 2026
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Competitions: Piano and String
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Competition Type: Solo and Duet
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Entry Fee $135 (Digital)
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Entry Fee: $148 (In-person Solo)
College
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Age: 18– 22 on January 1, 2026
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Competitions: Piano and String
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Competition Type: Solo and Duet
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Entry Fee $158 (Digital)
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Entry Fee: $171 (In-person Solo)
Chamber Music for 2 to 5 performers
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Age: Ensemble members must be 12 - 22 on January 1, 2026
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Competitions: Piano & String
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Competition Type: Trio, Quartet, Quintet
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Entry Fee $ 175 (Digital)
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Entry Fee: $195 (In-person)
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 both digital and in-person music contests.
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. The Small Appreciation Allowance will be made possible by the Music Matters Foundation Fund for first and second-prize winners who will perform at the Rising Stars Concert.
Winners who receive an invitation to play at the Winners' Rising Star Honor Concert and decide to decline and not travel will receive their diplomas only by mail.
The national performance competition winners will receive a monetary prize if they perform at the Rising Star Concert, which will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on June 25th, 2026, at Benaroya Hall—Nordstrom Recital Hall.
