Ascend CYMC International Music Competition (Online/In person)

 

​Eligibility
• Elementary Division (Ages 6–12)
• Junior High / High School Division (Ages 13–17)
• Adult Division (Ages 18 and above)

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello only.

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Competition Timeline
• First Round (July 8, 2025) : Video Submission Ended
• Second Round (August 9-11)
• Final Round (August 12–20)​

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Competition Venue (In Person Competition Only)

If you are registering for the 2025 Ascend CYMC In-Person Music Competition, the designated venues and schedule are as follows:

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Venues & Schedule

■ August 8–9, 2025
Erlman Concert Hall
No. 510 Shiyangchang Road
High-Tech District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China

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■ August 10–11, 2025
Grand Concert Hall
Wuhou Campus, Sichuan Conservatory of Music
No. 6 Xinsheng Road
Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China

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All in-person final round performances will be professionally recorded by the Organizing Committee. These recordings will be submitted to the official jury panel for evaluation, alongside the final-round video submissions from online competition participants. This process ensures that all finalists are assessed simultaneously under consistent standards and ranked accordingly.Participants who elect not to attend the in-person competition at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in Chengdu must register under the online competition category. The final results for both the in-person and online divisions will be formally announced on or before August 20, 2025.

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​*Competitors who win First Prize at the 2025 CYMC California Youth Music Competition in the U.S. will be granted direct entry into the FINAL ROUND, where students will be evaluated by the Ascend. CYMC world-class judges.

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Online International Music Competition Awards & Prizes

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    • Adult Group (age 18+)
   • 1st Prize: Trophy & Certificate of Honor

   • 2nd Prize: Trophy & Certificate of Honor

• 3rd Prize: Trophy & Certificate of Honor

• Teen Group (age 13–17)

• 1st Prize:  Trophy & Certificate of Honor

• 2nd Prize:  Trophy & Certificate of Honor

• 3rd Prize:  Trophy & Certificate of Honor

• Children Group (age 6–12):

• 1st Prize:  Trophy & Certificate of Honor

• 2nd Prize: Trophy & Certificate of Honor 

• 3rd Prize:  Trophy & Certificate of Honor

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Honorable Mentions:
Multiple recipients will receive a Certificate of Honor, commemorative gift, and one complimentary study abroad consultation session.

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Special Awards:
Including “Best Performance Award” and “Most Promising Talent Award”—recipients will receive a Certificate of Honor and corresponding prizes.

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Preliminary Round

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello

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Age 6-12, Elementary Division:

One piece of the participant’s choice, any style or genre (maximum 5 minutes)

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Age 13-17, Junior High / High School Division:
One piece of the participant’s choice, any style or genre (maximum 6 minutes)

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Age 18+, Adult Division:
One piece of the participant’s choice, any style or genre (maximum 8 minutes)

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Second Round and Final Round

Age 6-12, Elementary Division: (All Instruments):
One piece of the participant’s choice (5–7 minutes), showcasing their best performance ability.

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Age 13+, Junior High / High Schoo/College Division(All Instruments): 

Choose one of the following three options

• One unaccompanied work by J.S. Bach
• One unaccompanied virtuosic piece
• First movement of a concerto

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Concerto Options:

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Violin:
1. Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61
2. Brahms: Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77

Viola:
1. Bartók: Viola Concerto
2. Walton: Viola Concerto

Cello:
1. Dvořák: Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104
2. Schumann: Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129

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Piano:
Choose two pieces from different categories listed below, each showcasing the participant’s highest level of artistry:
• Virtuosic Etude
• Baroque Work
• Classical Sonata (one or more movements by Scarlatti, Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart, or Schubert)
• Romantic Work
• Modern or Chinese Composition

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Registration Fees

Online Music Competition : $140/person​​

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Evaluation & Scoring System

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All performances will be scored on a 100-point scale, with precision up to two decimal places. The final score will be calculated as the average of all jury members’ evaluations.

The jury will assess each participant based on the following criteria:

1. Pitch & Rhythm – Accuracy and consistency of intonation and rhythmic execution
2. Technical Proficiency – Command of instrument and technical control
3. Musical Expression – Sensitivity, phrasing, and depth of interpretation
4. Stage Presence & Artistic Impression – Confidence, professionalism, and overall artistry
5. Overall Presentation – Cohesion of performance, communication, and impact

In addition to numerical scoring, comprehensive written feedback will be provided by the jury, ensuring that each participant receives valuable insights to support their future musical growth.

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