Singapore International Music Competition

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4th SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION 2025
Australia Live Rounds

for Piano & Violin
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Rules & Regulations

I
Singapore International Music Competition (SIMC) is an annual international competition organized by International Performing Arts and Cultural Organization Singapore (Pte Ltd).

SIMC 2025 (for piano and violin) Australia Live Rounds is open to candidates of all nationalities born in or after 1994 (30-year-old and below). The age category follows the deadline of the competition.

II
The Australia Live Rounds 2025 will take place across four cities – Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney, offering local candidates the opportunity to compete in person before an esteemed panel of international and local jury members.

Applications will be closed when the maximum number of submissions is reached.

*Candidates applying to the Australia Live Rounds can also submit a separate application and fee to participate in the international online round.

III
Australia Live Rounds Cities & Dates:
The live rounds will be held between 26th September to 10th October 2025 at the following cities:  

  • Melbourne – 26th – 28th September
  • Adelaide – 29th September – 1st October
  • Brisbane – 5th October – 7th October
  • Sydney – 8th October – 10th October

*The exact location to be confirmed. ** The audition schedule will be announced after the deadline of application.

IV
Deadline for application is on September 20, 2025. Application can be made via the link here.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Application Fees are as follows:

Cat A – B: 170 SGD
Cat C – D: 190 SGD
Cat E – F: 210 SGD

Age & Categories
The competition is divided into Solo Piano and Solo Violin. The category and section are as follows:

Section Category Age Duration
Debut
Cat. A
6 and below
Up to 4 minutes
Junior
Cat. B
7 – 9 years
Up to 5 minutes
Emerging
Cat. C
10 – 12 years
Up to 6 minutes
Youth
Cat. D
13 – 15 years
Up to 7 minutes
Young Artist
Cat. E
16 – 18 years
Up to 8 minutes
Artist
Cat. F
19 – 30 years
Up to 10 minutes

Participants may compete in more than one category or choose to apply for a higher age category.

Repertoire Guidelines

  • Free-choice repertoire, one piece only.
  • Time limits must be strictly observed. If a performance exceeds the time limit, the jury may interrupt the performance.
  • All piano works and all violin works (except violin sonatas with piano) must be performed from memory.
  • No repertoire changes are allowed after submission unless requested by the committee.

All violinists requiring an accompanist must provide their own accompanist.

Marking Criteria

  • An international and local jury panel appointed by the SIMC committee will adjudicate all performances.
  • Judging Criteria (20 points each, total 100 points):
    • Stylistic awareness
    • Technical facility
    • Musicality
    • Sound maturity
    • General presentation
  • Final score shall be the average taken to two decimal points.
  • Results for each category will be announced during the day of adjudication

Awards 🏆

  • Absolute                             99 and above
  • Gold                                       90 – 98.99
  • Silver                                     85 – 89.99
  • Bronze                                 80 – 84.99
  • Merit                                    70 – 79.99
  • Participation                    69.99  and below

Multiple winners can be awarded for each category (except absolute prize) The committee reserves the right not to award certain prizes if the required marks are not reached. The jury’s decisions are final and cannot be appealed. The jury shall not evaluate any participants who have received regular lessons with them within the last six(6) months preceding the live rounds.

  • All winners will receive a physical Certificate and Medal Award at the live round venue.
  • All participants will subsequently receive a personalised e-certificate via email
  • Selected top winners from the Australia Live Rounds will be invited to perform at the Winners Gala Concert in in Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Recital Studio, on 22 December 2025 in Singapore.
  • All winners from the Australia Live Rounds will be invited to receive their personalised crystal trophy and certificate at the Award Ceremony in Singapore
  • Up to 10 participants in each city will be selected for an open masterclass by an assigned Jury member. Shortlisted participants will be informed separately by email with further instructions. 

Australia Live Rounds Regulations

  • Participants must arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled performance.
  • No changes in repertoire are permitted.
  • SIMC will not be responsible for travel, accommodation, or personal expenses incurred by participants.
  • Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Participants shall indemnify the SIMC committee for any damages or loss incurred from the participation of the Australia Live Rounds Competition event.

General Rules

  1. Application fees are non-refundable.
  2. By submitting an application online and subsequently participating in SIMC 2025, the applicant accepts and agrees to abide by all the rules and regulations as stated.
  3. The SIMC competition committee reserves the right to make any changes to the rules, schedule and any information relating to the prizes at any time.
  4. SIMC reserves the right to record, photograph, and broadcast performances from the Australia Live Rounds for promotional and archival purposes.
  5. Participation in the Australia Live Rounds does not guarantee selection for the Gala Concert; Selected top winners will receive an invitation to perform.
  6. Winners unable to attend the Gala Concert in Singapore will not be eligible for the Singapore customized crystal trophy or certificate.
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