Suntory Hall in Tokyo

Open to all nationalities, Ages, and amateurs

“Renee’s Music Studio in Hawaii” will be presenting the Universal Music Online Competition.

Our mission is to discover talented musicians and provide opportunities to help launch international careers through Music!

“Universal Music Compeititon” is very unique due to there being an amateur division. This competitoin welcomes not only advanced-level musicians but also beginners and amateurs. if you have never competed in a competition before, please take this opportunity and give it a try!

This competition is open to pianists, string players, vocalists, Wind and brass players.

Detail

*All details apply to both advanced and amateur divisions

The Chief Judge, Dr. Sara Davis Buechner

Age Categories

・Pre-Level : 6 years old and under
・Elementary Level : 7 to 10 years old
・Intermediate Level : 11 to 14 years old
・High School Level : 15 to 18 years old
・Young Artist Level : 19 years old and older

Application FEES/Dead line

・Online Competition Application Fee : $100
・Application Deadline : April 25th. 11:59pm (HST)
*Tax, Service charges & credit card transaction fees apply

REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENT & TIME LIMIT

・Pre-Level : 3 minutes Approx. (1 or 2 pieces, 2 separate vides acceptable)
・Elementary Level : 4 minutes Approx. (1 piece)
・Intermediate Level : 4 minutes Approx. (1 piece)
・High School Level : 4 minutes Approx. (1 piece)
・Young Artist Level : 4 minutes Approx. (1 piece)

One Piece (or two pieces for Pre-Level only) from any eras (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, or Contemporary) can be submitted if within time limit.
*Cuts are allowed to meet the time limit. Repeats, D.S. and D.C may be omitted.
*Your performance video can be at any length, however your performance time on stage will be 4 minutes max. (3 minutes for Pre-Level)

AWARDS

・1st prize : Scored 90 ~ 100
・2nd prize : Scored 80 ~ 89
・3rd prize : Scored 70 ~ 79
・Honorable Mention : Scored 60 ~ 69
・Multiple winners will be selected from each award category

GENERAL RULES

・Incomplete applications including failure to pay fees will result in disqualification.
・The application fee is not refundable.
・The judges’ decision is final and unappealable. The comments and punctuation of the judge will not be provided.

How to apply

Submit an online application form

To apply for the competition, participants must submit a completed online application form by April 25th, 2025, 11:59pm (HST).
*To fill out the application form

Inquiry: universalmusiccompetition@gmail.com

Submit Youtube link

You may submit any video taken within the last year. Generally, the piece played in the submitted video will be performed at the Winners’ Concert. However, if you wish to change the program within your category’s time limit, you can resubmit a new video of the new piece by July 10th, 2025. If approved, the program change is possible.
Recording should be a fair representation of the contestants’ abilities, but does not need to be of professional quality.

The results will be posted on our Instagram and homepage on May 5th, 2025

Winners’ Concert

Sunday, August 31st, 2025 2pm~5pm @ SUNTORY HALL, Blue Rose Small Hall

*Multiple 1st~3rd place and Honorable mention award winners for both advanced and amateur divisions will be selected, and be invited to perform in the Winners’ Concert! Winners that are not able to attend in the Winner’s Concert will receive their certificate by mail.
*Bring your own accompanist. If you cannot find one, please contact us once you have comitted to perform. (Accompanist doesn’t need a ticket.)

Fee:
*Concert Performer : $200 (includes performance,trophy, certificate, and professional photos)
*Concert Tickets for families and/or guests : $20 per person.
Tax and credit card transaction fees apply to all prices.