KAMSA COMPETITION INFORMATION

SUMIT APPLICATION

Submission Deadline: Sunday, January 25, 11:00 pm PT (Late submissions will not be accepted.)

2026 The KAMSA Competition

The KAMSA Competition is held by the Korean-American Music Supporters’ Association and is open to young pre-college musicians in the following instrument and age categories (age as of January 25, 2026)

AGE GROUPS

Primary

Ages 8 and Under

ELEMENTARY

Ages 9 to 11

Junior

Ages 12 to 14

Senior

Ages 15 to 18

Instruments and Allowed Age Groups

Violin Solo

Primary, Elementary, Junior Senior

Viola Solo

Junior & Senior ONLY

Piano Solo

Primary, Elementary, Junior Senior

Cello Solo

Primary, Elementary, Junior Senior

Winds and Brass Solo

Junior & Senior ONLY

The repertoire and minimum playing time requirements

  • Solo Category: Contestants must select two contrasting pieces from different music periods. One of the two pieces must be from either Baroque or Classical period. No repeats.

  • There is no limit in playing time BUT the minimum playing time must be strictly observed. Any submitted video with less playing time than the required minimum time will be disqualified.

  • *Required minimum playing time — applies to the combined duration of both pieces, not to each piece individually.

Violin/Cello/Viola/Wind

  • Primary: N/A

  • Elementary: Minimum of 6 minutes

  • Junior: Minimum of 8 minutes

  • Senior: Minimum of 10 minutes

Piano

  • Primary: No requirement playing time

  • Elementary: Minimum of 5 minutes

  • Junior: Minimum of 7 minutes

  • Senior: Minimum of 9 minutes

Brass

  • Primary: N/A

  • Elementary: N/A

  • Junior: Minimum of 7 minutes

  • Senior: Minimum of 9 minutes

Important Dates

  • Applications Open On: November 19, 2025

  • Application/Fee/Videos: Due on January 25, 2026 by 11pm

  • Winners Announcement: Announced on February 21, 2026

  • Awards (Prizes and Certificates):

    • All winners must be present at the award ceremony on Feb 28, 2026.

    • First prize winners must be ready to perform in person at the winners’ concert on Feb 28, 2026.

    • Failure to show up at the concert could result in cancellation of the prize.

Video recording requirements

Please read the following requirements carefully. Videos that fail to meet any requirement will be disqualified.

  • Recorded after July 1, 2025

  • Video being neither too close nor too far

  • Violin, viola and cello including whole upper body, face, both hands, bow and instrument

  • Piano showing both hands on the keyboard and the pedals

  • Participant dressed in an appropriate manner

  • Accompanist visible (if there is one) in the video recording in the background

  • No editing of Video/Audio

  • Upload two videos separately on YouTube.com as “unlisted” and provide the video links in the registration form

  • Contestants must not submit the performance video with any type of orchestra, ensemble group or school band. Pieces that require accompaniment must be recorded with the piano accompaniment

Online Application & Fee Payment

To apply, please provide the following:

  • Submit Application, Fee, Videos and Required Documents via the link on KAMSA.org

  • Acceptable Proof of Age Document: Driver’s license, Passport, or Birth Certificate

  • Application Fee: $110 (Non refundable)

  • To complete your application successfully, please be sure to pay the application fee at the final stage of application.

Submit Application

Rules

  • Decisions by the judges are final.

  • The repertoire must be performed/recorded in its entirety (with cadenza) from memory.

    • Theme and Variations - Selected variations from its entirety with teacher discretion are acceptable

    • Sonatas can be performed with scores for strings

  • The repertoire must be performed with an accompanist if it’s required/written to be played with the piano.

  • The repertoire must be in the original form. No rearrangement is allowed.

  • The video and audio must not be edited.

  • Judges reserve the right to declare no winners if contestants do not meet the necessary standard.

  • In the event of a tie, the prize will be shared.

  • “Judge Comments” regarding contestant’s performance will not be provided.

  • A past 1st Place winner cannot register again for the same age instrument category.

  • By submitting videos for the competition, the contestant gives KAMSA permission to duplicate, distribute, and modify the videos for public display of the contestant's performance for the competition.

  • By submitting the application, the contestant waives any and all claims or actions against KAMSA and its judges, directors and volunteers that may arise from competitor's participation in the competition.

Contact

For more information, send an e-mail to: info@kamsa.org