The MAP International Music Competition (MAP-IMC) is a global leading online music competition presented by the MARKER AND PIONEER International Culture Exchange Center (MAP-ICEC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Los Angeles, California, USA. The competition is held each year. The contest is open to FREE preliminary applications for music players, music learners, and music lovers of any nationality and age throughout the global area. The competition is divided into music categories such as piano, string, wind, vocal, and chamber music. Each instrument subject will be judged in groups based on the age of the contestants.

Why MAP-IMC?

Regarding the Inaugural MAP-IMC 2021 and the following MAP-IMC 2022/2023, the competition obtained the basic statistics below:

1. Over 2000 applications from all over the worldparticipated in the MAP-IMC 2021/22/23.
2. Over 1600 qualified applicants earned finalist invitations after their Free Entry submissions were reviewed.
3. 1237 confirmed final-round applications in the MAP-IMC 2021/22/23, which represented over 80 countries throughout the whole world.
4. 20 Grand Prix winners and 161 First Prize winners who have represented over 46 countries in the global area in MAP-IMC 2021/22/23.
5. The total value of awards at MAP-IMC 2021/22/23 exceeds $159,950 including cash rewards, valued masterclasses, and online studying resources sponsored by MAP’s educational partners.

The MAP-IMC aims to encourage the healthy growth of young and professional musicians in the field of musical learning and performance. It also encourages the participation of music educators with positive rules and promotes music education with competitions. We believe that the competition will bring benefits to contestants and their instructors, and also provide them with an international platform to present their talents and help them build confidence and even realize their dreams. Our goal is to find musical artists and music educators with outstanding personalities and provide awards to help them develop international careers.

We firmly believe that, in addition to strict training and natural talents, through the competition, we will also find performers with strong artistic personalities and stage images. The purpose of the MAP International Music Competition is to find talented music performers who have reached a professional level and help them to be a part of the international stage.

The MAP-IMC 2024 is divided into preliminary and final (a total of two rounds). Participants are required to submit video materials for preliminary application with optional Free Entry or Registered Entry. The final selection of the winners is based solely on the same video materials submitted in the preliminary contest for Free Entry; The finalists with Registered Entry will be able to change the link at the final round. Multiple winners will be selected for each age group.

Preliminary Round Application Deadline: July 20, 2024(Auguest 15, 2024)

Finalist Announcement Date:  July 30, 2024(Auguest 20, 2024)

Final Round Application Deadline:

Option 1. Free Entry Finalist: Auguest 10, 2024(Auguest 25, 2024)

Option 2. Registered Entry Finalist: Auguest 25, 2024(Auguest 30, 2024)

Final Results & Rewards Announcement Date: September 15, 2024

Instrumental / Vocal Categories:

1. Keyboards: Piano, Accordion, Pipe Organ
2. Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Guitar, Harp
3. Woodwinds: Flute (including Piccolo), Oboe (including English Horn), Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone,Chromatic Harmonica
4. Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
5. Percussions: Marimba, Xylophone, Timpani, Snare Drum, Jazz Drum, Drum Set, Hands-percussion
6. Piano Four Hands
7. ClassicalVoice: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass
8. Commercial Voice: Songs from Musical Theatre,Jazz, Pop Music
9. Chinese Traditional Instrument: Gu Zheng
10. Chamber Music (including instrument ensemble and singing groups): Duo, Trio, Quartet, Quintet, String ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Chamber Choir Group
11. Orchestra/Choir Program

 

Repertoire Requirements:

Choose one or more music pieces from the following musical periods below:
I. Baroque (1600-1750)
II. Classical (1750-1820)
III. Romantic (1800-1910)
IV. Modern Classical / Commercial Music (up to the present time)
V. Works of Living Composer(s)

 

Age Groups & Programs Duration: (actual age calculated by the deadline for the preliminary application date: July 20, 2024)

[Soloist]

1. Under 5 Years Old (e.g. born on or after July 20, 2019): up to 5 min
2. 5-7 Years Old: up to 5 min
3. 8-10 Years Old: up to 6 min
4. 11-13 Years Old: up to 7 min
5. 14-16 Years Old: up to 8 min
6. 17-19 Years Old: up to 10 min
7. 20-22 Years Old: up to 12 min
8. 23 Years Old andUp: (e.g. born on or before July 20, 2001): up to 15 min

[Chamber Groups, the average age of group members]

1. Under 12 Years Old: up to 5 min
2. 13-17 Years Old: up to 8 min
3. 18-23 Years Old: up to 12 min
4. 23 Years Old and Up: up to 15 min

[Orchestra/Choir Program]

1. Elementary School Orchestra/Choir: up to 5 min
2. Middle School Orchestra/Choir: up to 8 min
3. High School Orchestra/Choir: up to 10 min
4. Youth Orchestra/Choir: up to 15 min
5. College/University Orchestra/Choir: up to 20 min
6. Community/Festival Orchestra/Choir: up to 20 min

The MAP-IMC Comprises 2 Rounds (Online)

I. Competition Format

Preliminary

Participants are required to visit the MAP-IMC’s Official Website and fill in the preliminary round application form on the “Free Application” page, submitting a video recording link of their music performance. This contest accepts links to major global video websites: YouTube and Vimeo, *contestants in Mainland China region can also upload videos to BiliBili or Youku.

Please be sure to fully comply with the “Video Requirements for Qualifying Preliminary Round” to demonstrate the respect of the participants to the international jury. If there is a situation that does not comply with the following rules, participants will automatically lose their qualifications for the final round.

[Video Requirements of Qualifying for the Preliminary Round]:

1. The entry video must be created and uploaded within 12 months before the participant’s application date.
2. The recorded video is required to be performed by the applicant. Except for the accompaniment parts, the video should not contain noisy background sounds. The player’s face and the parts of the body used to play the instrument must be clearly visible in the video. *Audio-only links are not accepted for this competition.
3. The videos of different music pieces can be spliced into one video link, but the video of a single music piece CANNOT be edited, and NO effects can be added.
4. The uploaded video link must be set up as “unlisted” or “visible to the public”.
5. The introduction or description column of the video link must clearly indicate the following content in English: MAP-IMC 2024, Participant’s name, instrument category, age group, composer(s) and full name(s) of work(s).
6. *For Commercial Voice participants: pleaseindicate the following content in English: MAP-IMC 2024, Participant’s name, instrument category, age group, composer(s) and full name(s) of work(s), original lyrics AND the translation in English in the description column of the video link.

 

Final (Voluntary Application Based on Approved Invitation)

Only the contestants selected in the qualifying round (preliminary round) are entitled to advance to the final round.

Finalists who choose Option 1 (Free Entry) in the Preliminary Round will use the same work submitted during the preliminary round as the content for the final round.

Finalists who choose Option 2 (Registered Entry) in the Preliminary Round will be able to change an updated link for the final round.

The selected finalists will receive an email invitation containing instructions on how to apply for the final round. Email invitations will be sent on the Finalist Announcement Date of the Competition Schedule section.

Applicants for the finals are required to use the link to complete the Final Application Steps before the deadline for the application for the final round:

1. Pay forthe final application fee via a secure payment link through the MAP Official Website.
2. Fill out the Final Application Form by uploading the following items: an electronic high-quality personal photo, a personal biography, and a scanned copy of personal identification (such as a personal passport or ID card).

 

Preliminary/Final application fee details:

Option 1 Free Entry

1. Soloistregistration fee: Free
2. Soloist finals application fee: USD $95/person
3. Chamber Group registration fee: Free
4. Chamber Group (2-4 persons) finals application fee: USD $60/person X the number of persons
5. Chamber Group (over 5-person ensemble) finals application fee: USD $280/Group
6. Orchestra/Choir Program finals application fee: USD $350/Ensemble
7. *Special Discount for Orchestra/Choir Program:
   (1). At least five members from the orchestra/choir successfully registered in the final round of the competition (either soloist or chamber group category), the Orchestra/Choir Program final application fee: USD $180/Ensemble
   (2). At least ten members from the orchestra/choir successfully registered in the final round of the competition (either soloist or chamber group category), and the Orchestra/Choir Program final application fee will be fully waived.

8. *Piano Accompanist Certificate can be ordered by request via an additional payment:  $20/person

Option 2 Registered Entry

1. Soloistregistration fee: USD $50/person (charged in the preliminary round)
2. Soloist finals application fee: USD $45/person
3. Chamber Group (2-4 persons) registration fee: USD $30/person X the number of persons (charged in the preliminary round)
4. Chamber Group (2-4 persons) finals application fee: USD $30/person X the number of persons
5. Chamber Group (over 5-person ensemble) registration fee: USD $140/Group (charged in the preliminary round)
6. Chamber Group (over 5-person ensemble) finals application fee: USD $140/Group
7. Orchestra/Choir Program registration fee: USD $180/Ensemble (charged in the preliminary round)
8. Orchestra/Choir Program finals application fee: USD $170/Ensemble

*The registration and final application fee are non-refundable one-time voluntary payments, including domestic/international transaction fees. Participants should submit proof of payment by the deadline for applications.

*If the orchestra/choir is eligible to have the discount or to fully waive the application fee, the registration fee and final application fee will be refunded after the competition’s final announcement.

*Minors’ guardians need to sign a separate notice of “Allowing the Competition Organizer to Use Minors’ Names on Websites and Social Media” to allow the MAP-IMC to publish awards and personal images, video materials, and biography on major social media platforms around the world.

 

II.Jury & Placing System

The MAP-IMC 2024 is honored to have an international jury composed of world-renowned concert artists, musicians, music educators, and professors from internationally renowned music education institutions, including former Jury Chair of Pulitzer Prize for Music, current Grammy Award Winners, and Steinway Artists. For details of the current judging members, please click the “Current Jury” page of the MAP-IMC’s official website.

Each jury score will be evaluated through the video materials presented by each participant. The final selection of winners will be based solely on the video recordings submitted. Judges should be independent. The judges’ votes remain strictly confidential and will not be shared or published. All Jury decisions will be final and irrevocable.

Judging System for Soloist & Chamber Group

Each jury member gives points (0-25) evaluating the performances according to the following criteria: intonation (0-5), articulation/diction (0-5), rhythmical precision (0-5), interpretation and musicality (0-5), the level of the program (0-5). The final score will be the average of the scores given by the individual members of each jury.

Judging System for Orchestra/Choir Program

Each jury member gives points (0-25) evaluating the performances according to the following criteria: intonation (0-5), section/ensemble balance (0-5), rhythmical precision (0-5), musicianship (0-5), programming/conducting (0-5). The final score will be the average of the scores given by the individual members of each jury.

The prizes are given according to the following table:

Grand Prix: 25 points

1^st Prize: 23-24 points

2^nd Prize: 20-22 points

3^rd Prize: 17-19 points

Honorable Mention: 14-16 points

Finalist Certificate: under 14 points

 

III.Certificates & Recommendation Letters

All award certificates of the competition will be able to download in PDF format at MAP’s official website after the Final Results & Awards Announcement Date.

Applicants with Registered Entry but stopping at the Final Round will receive the Certificate of Participation after the deadline for the final applications.

Those participants who have advanced to the final round of the MAP-IMC at least three (3) times with three (3) works in different styles will have the opportunity to obtain a letter of recommendation written by professors from internationally renowned music education institutions for colleges or university application.

 

IV.Prizes & Awards

1. The “MAP-IMC Grand Prix” will be awarded to the winner(s) earning a total score of 25 points, with a cash award of $300/person for solo contestants, $500/group (2-4 persons), $600/group (over 5-person ensemble), and $800 for orchestra/choirprogram.
2. 1^stPrize Winners will be awarded one FREE Masterclass conducted by the faculty member(s) at world-renowned music institutions and orchestras such as the Aspen Music Festival, the MasterWorks Festival, the National Music Festival, the Julliard School, Cleveland Institute of Music, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Boston Symphony, the Chicago Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony, the Milwaukee Symphony, The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, , or one-year membership of masterclass.com (valued at $180) in the following academic year.
3. Selected outstanding winners of the “MAP-IMC Grand Prix” and the 1^stPrize will have the opportunity to be invited to the United States to participate in the live concert performances of internationally renowned music institutions/music festivals in the following academic year.
4. All participants at MAP-IMC 2024will receive a free online complimentary course with a selection of Masterclasses and courses offered by iClassical Academy (valued at $150).
5. All First, Second, and Third Prize winners aged over 12 years old will receive a three to six-monthall-access free subscription offered by iClassical Academy (valued at $144).
6. For those prize winners aged under 12 years old, their instructors will receive a three-month all-access free subscription offered by iClassical Academy (valued at $144).
7. The Grand Prix, First Prize, Second Prize, Third Prize, Honorable Mentioned, and Finalist certificates will be awarded to the winners of each category. *Further documentaryCertificate Statements from the MAP-IMC 2024 Committee could be offered by request.
8. All finalists’ instructors/institutionswill receive the “Honorable Instructor/Institution” certificate.
9. The instructor with the largest number of students advanced andregistered for the final round will receive the Certificate of “The Outstanding Instructor Award”, the winner of “The Outstanding Instructor Award” for three consecutive competitions will be eligible to join the international jury
10. The institutionwith the largest number of students advanced and registered for the final round will receive the Certificate of “The Outstanding Institution Award”, the winner of “The Outstanding Institution Award” for three consecutive competitions will be invited to sign the Educational Partnership with MAP to open up educational projects.
11. Photos, resumes, and videos of the winners will be published on the MAP’sofficial social media platforms around the world.
12. Our goal is to provide continuous support to the winners to help them promote and develop their music study and career in international performance stages.

 

V. Special Thanks To Our Supporters:

MASTERWORKS FESTIVAL
ICLASSICAL ACADEMY
MASTERCLASS.COM
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
OLYMPIA YOUTH ORCHESTRA
LOS ANGELES YOUNG VIRTUOSO INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL & MUSIC EDUCATION CONFERENCE
JUST TOUR INTERNATIONAL
UYUAN TECHNOLOGY