Classical Music

Classical Music is open to orchestral instrumentalists, pianists, and composers. The strongest auditions demonstrate excellence in the craft of playing or writing, the ability to reveal the nuances of each work, versatility, and a truly personal style.

Classical Music practice during National YoungArts Week

Screenshot of Guest Artist working with Classical Music winner
Watch

Are you a classical musician who is 15–18 years old or in grades 10–12?

The 2022 application is now closed.

Sign Up for Updates
FAQ

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must be able to answer ”Yes“ to these statements:

  • I am either a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident/green card recipient, or I can demonstrate that I am legally able to receive taxable income in the United States.  
  • I am in grades 10–12 or 15–18 years of age on December 1 of the year I am applying. 
  • If I’m selected as a Finalist, this would be my first time attending National YoungArts Week.

Application Requirements

All the requirements for the 2022 competition are listed in the downloadable PDFs below.

Hear from Winners and Guest Artists

Screenshot of Chase Park (2015 Classical Music)

Chase Park (2015 Classical Music)

Screenshot of Guest Artist Dave Eggar (1987 Classical Music)

Dave Eggar (1987 Classical Music), Guest Artist

Screenshot of Classical Music Guest Artist Daniel Bernard Roumain

Daniel Bernard Roumain, Guest Artist

Screenshot of Marina Lomazov, Classical Music National Selection Panelist

Marina Lomazov, National Selection Panelist

Screenshot of Classical Music National Selection Panelist Pascal Le Boeuf (2004 Classical Music, Jazz)

Pascal Le Boeuf (2004 Classical Music, Jazz), National Selection Panelist

Select Performances from Winners

Screenshot of Classical Music winners performing "Jeux de plein air" (1917, Tailleferre)

"Jeux de plein air" (1917, Tailleferre)

Screenshot of Classical Music winners performing "Cinq Pièces en Trio" (1935, Ibert)

"Cinq Pièces en Trio" (1935, Ibert)

Screenshot of Classical Music winners performing "Adiós Nonino" (1959, Piazzolla)

"Adiós Nonino" (1959, Piazzolla)

Screenshot of Classical Music winners performing "Ecstatic Samba Piano Trio No. 3" (2018, Kevin Day)

"Ecstatic Samba Piano Trio No. 3" (2018, Kevin Day)

Screenshot of Classical Music winners performing "Passacaglia Duo for Violin and Viola" (1894, Halvorsen)

"Passacaglia Duo for Violin and Viola" (1894, Halvorsen)

Screenshot of Classical Music winners performing "Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 11" (1797, Beethoven)

"Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 11" (1797, Beethoven)

Andy Park (2020 Classical Music) performing during National YoungArts Week

My fellow Classical Musicians were the shining stars for me; their young yet accomplished talents always startled me with awe.”

— Andy Park (2020 Classical Music)