Application Deadline: September 30th, 2025

*The deadline dates above are Eastern Standard Time (EST). All applications are due before 11:59 p.m. on the listed due dates.

Competition Date: Sunday, Oct. 19th, 2025, 2:00-5:00 p.m. 

Competition Location: Tutti Music and Arts Recital Hall, 254-18 Northern Blvd, Little Neck, NY 11362

Application Fee: $120/person

*All application fees are non-refundable. 

Eligibility: Open to pianists, string, and woodwind players of all nationalities, aged 7 to 18 as of October 19th, 2025.

Age Categories:

Elementary Division: age 7-10

Junior Division: age 11-14

Senior Division: age 15-18

Jury Members:

Kayoung An (piano, MSM Precollege Faculty)

Qianwen Shen (violin, Mannes Precollege Faculty, Met Opera Orchestra)

Zara Lawler (flute, MSM Precollege Faculty)

Awards:

1. Selected winners will be awarded the Grand Prize, First Prize, and Second Prize.
2. Up to three Grand Prize Winners will be chosen from all divisions, and up to three First Prize Winners will be chosen from each age category.
3. Grand Prize Winners will be invited to perform in the Tutti 2026 Gala Concert at Carnegie Weill Recital Hall on December 14, 2025, at 1 p.m. The recital fee of $450 will be waived for the Carnegie Hall recital performance.
4. First Prize Winners will also have the opportunity to perform in the Tutti 2026 Gala Concert at Carnegie Weill Recital Hall on December 14, 2025, at 1 p.m. There will be a recital fee of $450 for the performance.
5. Grand Prize and First Prize winners will have the opportunity to participate in the Tutti masterclass and concert series in 2025-2026, which will be announced later.
6. Competition certificates will be awarded to all prize winners.
7. All participants will receive written comments from the jury members.
8. The jury’s decisions are final and cannot be appealed. Tutti Music and Arts reserves all rights.

 Repertoire Requirements:

1. Applicant may choose one or more pieces from the standard repertoire (baroque, classical, romantic or contemporary) for the competition.
2. The time limit for each division (which will be strictly timed for performance) is as follows:
    - Elementary Division: 6 minutes
    - Junior and Senior Divisions: 7 minutes
3. Memorization is mandatory for all piano applicants. No original compositions will be accepted.
4. We strongly encourage string and woodwind applicants to perform pieces with their own accompanists. Official accompanists will be available upon request at the competitor’s expense.
5. There will be no changes to the repertoire allowed for the Carnegie Hall performance.

Judging Criteria:

0-10 Technique (accuracy, clarity, tone quality, articulation, intonation)
0-10 Interpretation (musicality, style, balance, tempo, rhythm, pedaling, imagination)
0-10 Musical achievement (level of repertoire, stage presence, memorization, artistry)
Total: 30 points