Categories
The Competition consists of Solo and Ensemble Section
Solo Section
Category
Age
Musical Instrument
Junior
12 years & below
(born in or after 2014)
Dizi / Sheng / Suona / Erhu / Guzheng / Pipa / Yangqin / Zhongruan
Intermediate
18 years & below
(born in or after 2008)
Senior
35 years & below
(born in or after 1991)
Grand
No age limit
Chinese musical instruments in Strings, Plucked-strings and Wind sections listed in the musical instruments list
Ensemble Section
Age
Musical Instrument
Ensemble A
18 years & below
(born in or after 2008)
Any combination of Chinese musical instruments listed in the musical instrument list (minimum 3 to maximum 20 members per ensemble)
Ensemble B
No age limit
Eligibility
JUNIOR, INTERMEDIATE & SENIOR CATEGORIES
Participants may choose to compete in any of the following instruments :
- Dizi
- Guzheng
- Sheng
- Yangqin
- Erhu
- Pipa
- Suona
- Zhongruan
Each solo instrument is categorised into three age groups:
- Junior – 12 years & below (born in or after 2014)
- Intermediate – 18 years & below (born in or after 2008)
- Senior – 35 years & below (born in or after 1991)
- The Junior and Intermediate categories are exclusively for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) only.
- The Senior Category is open to Singapore citizens, PRs and foreigners studying, working or residing in Singapore.
- The following individuals (excluding accompanists) are not eligible to participate in the Competition:
- Full-time musicians and staff of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra
- Individuals who are currently, or have previously been, employed on a full-time basis by a performing arts organisation or music educational institution
- Individuals who have obtained, or are in the process of obtaining (graduating in 2026), a diploma or higher qualification in music, with a specialisation in the registered instrument, from any local or overseas institution
- First Prize winners of any Solo Instrument Section in previous editions of the Singapore/National Chinese Music Competition may not compete again in the same instrument category or at the same or a lower age group
Due to the re – grouping of the age categories in the 2006 National Chinese Music Competition (NCMC) , First Prize winners of the previous NCMC editions may be eligible to participate in specific age categories in the current Competition, subject to meeting the applicable age requirements.
1st Prize Winners
(2004 & earlier)
1st Prize Winners
(2006 – 2018)
1st Prize Winners
(2020 – 2024)
Eligible to enter in 2026
Junior Category
Junior Category
Junior Category
Intermediate / Senior Category
Intermediate Category
Youth Category
Intermediate Category
Senior Category
Senior Category
–
–
Grand Category
Open Category
Open Category
Senior Category
Grand Category
Combined Category
–
–
Grand Category
GRAND CATEGORY
- This category serves as a platform for exceptional soloists to showcase their virtuosity in performing Chinese musical instruments in a competitive setting.
- Eligible is open to individuals who satisfy either of the following criteria:
- Currently, or previously, employed on a full-time basis by any performing arts organisation or music educational institution; or
- In the process of completing (graduating in 2026), a diploma or higher qualification in music, with a specialisation in the registered instrument, from any local or overseas music institution.
Notwithstanding the above, individuals who do not meet these criteria may also considered for the Grand Category, subject to demonstrated performance standard and approval by the Adjudication panel.
- Soloists are allowed to perform on any instrument from the Strings, Plucked-strings and Wind sections:
- Banhu
- Guanzi
- Pipa
- Suona
- Dizi
- Guqin
- Ruan
- Xun
- Erhu
- Guzheng
- Sanxian
- Yangqin
- Gaohu
- Liuqin
- Sheng
- Zhonghu
- The Grand category is open to Singapore citizens, PRs and foreigners studying, working or residing in Singapore.
- No age limit.
- Full-time musicians and staff of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra are not eligible to participate in the competition (excluding accompanists).
Ensemble category
- The ensemble may perform in any combination of Chinese musical instruments, adjusted as necessary based on the chosen pieces’ instrumentation. Please refer to the list of musical instruments.
There are two age categories for Ensemble section:
- A – 18 years & below (born in or after 2008)
- B – No age limit
- The Ensemble Section is open to Singapore citizens, PRs and foreigners studying, working or residing in Singapore.
- Full-time musicians and staff of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra are not eligible to participate in the competition.
- Each ensemble shall consist of a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 20 members. All members must be officially registered for the Competition.
- Each ensemble must perform without a conductor and playing in unison is not allowed.
JUNIOR, INTERMEDIATE & SENIOR CATEGORIES
Participants may choose to compete in any of the following instruments :
- Dizi
- Guzheng
- Sheng
- Yangqin
- Erhu
- Pipa
- Suona
- Zhongruan
Each solo instrument is categorised into three age groups:
- Junior – 12 years & below (born in or after 2014)
- Intermediate – 18 years & below (born in or after 2008)
- Senior – 35 years & below (born in or after 1991)
- The Junior and Intermediate categories are exclusively for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) only.
- The Senior Category is open to Singapore citizens, PRs and foreigners studying, working or residing in Singapore.
- The following individuals (excluding accompanists) are not eligible to participate in the Competition:
- Full-time musicians and staff of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra
- Individuals who are currently, or have previously been, employed on a full-time basis by a performing arts organisation or music educational institution
- Individuals who have obtained, or are in the process of obtaining (graduating in 2026), a diploma or higher qualification in music, with a specialisation in the registered instrument, from any local or overseas institution
- First Prize winners of any Solo Instrument Section in previous editions of the Singapore/National Chinese Music Competition may not compete again in the same instrument category or at the same or a lower age group.
Due to the re – grouping of the age categories in the 2006 National Chinese Music Competition (NCMC) , First Prize winners of the previous NCMC editions may enter specific age categories in the current year (note that age limit still apply):
1st Prize Winners
(2004 & earlier)
1st Prize Winners
(2006 – 2018)
1st Prize Winners
(2020 – 2024)
Eligible to enter in 2026
Junior Category
Junior Category
Junior Category
Intermediate / Senior Category
Intermediate Category
Youth Category
Intermediate Category
Senior Category
Senior Category
–
–
Grand Category
Open Category
Open Category
Senior Category
Grand Category
Combined Category
–
–
Grand Category
GRAND CATEGORY
- This category serves as a platform for exceptional soloists to showcase their virtuosity in performing Chinese musical instruments in a competitive setting.
- Eligible is open to individuals who satisfy either of the following criteria:
- Currently, or previously, employed on a full-time basis by any performing arts organisation or music educational institution; or
- In the process of completing (graduating in 2026), a diploma or higher qualification in music, with a specialisation in the registered instrument, from any local or overseas music institution.
Notwithstanding the above, individuals who do not meet these criteria may also considered for the Grand Category, subject to demonstrated performance standard and approval by the Adjudication panel.
- Soloists are allowed to perform on any instrument from the Strings, Plucked-strings and Wind sections:
- Banhu
- Guanzi
- Pipa
- Suona
- Dizi
- Guqin
- Ruan
- Xun
- Erhu
- Guzheng
- Sanxian
- Yangqin
- Gaohu
- Liuqin
- Sheng
- Zhonghu
- The Grand category is open to Singapore citizens, PRs and foreigners studying, working or residing in Singapore.
- No age limit.
- Full-time musicians and staff of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra are not eligible to participate in the competition (excluding accompanists).
Ensemble category
- The ensemble may perform in any combination of Chinese musical instruments, adjusted as necessary based on the chosen pieces’ instrumentation. Please refer to the list of musical instruments.
There are two age categories for Ensemble section:
- A – 18 years & below (born in or after 2008)
- B – No age limit
- The Ensemble Section is open to Singapore citizens, PRs and foreigners studying, working or residing in Singapore.
- Full-time musicians and staff of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra are not eligible to participate in the competition.
- Each ensemble shall consist of a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 20 members. All members must be officially registered for the Competition.
- Each ensemble must perform without a conductor and playing in unison is not allowed.
Repertoire and recording
JUNIOR & INTERMEDIATE Categories
Preliminary Round:
- Participants are to perform one set piece.
- Participants must perform the set pieces according to the scores provided by the Organiser.
Finals:
- Finalists are to perform two pieces of their choice without accompaniment.
- The pieces should be contrasting in mood and style, and should not include any piece performed in the Preliminary Round.
- Submitted works must not be rearrangements or adaptations of Western music or non-Chinese music.
- The total performance time must fall within the following duration (including breaks between pieces):
Junior Category 6 – 10 minutes
Intermediate Category 10 – 15 minutes
Senior Category
Preliminary Round:
- Participants are to perform one set piece.
- Participants must perform the set pieces according to the scores provided by the Organiser.
Finals:
- Finalists are to perform one set concerto with piano accompaniment.
- Finalists must perform the set concerto according to the scores provided by the Organiser.
- Finalists are required to make arrangement for their own accompanists. Piano will be provided by the Organiser, which will remain in the same position for all participants within the same instrument category.
Set Pieces for junior, intermediate & senior categories
Grand Category
Preliminary Round:
Participants are required to submit a video recording of a solo performance with a duration of 7 to 10mins.
- Performance Requirements
The video must feature:
- One piece of the participant’s own choice
- A solo performance without accompaniment
- A performance played from memory
- Recording Requirements
The video must:
- Be recorded in a single continuous take (no editing or splicing permitted)
- Be filmed with a stable, fixed camera position throughout
- Clearly show the participant’s face, hands and musical instrument at all times
- Be recorded in a quiet environment with minimal background distractions
- Recording Period
The video must be recorded not more than six (6) months prior to submission.
- Submission format
- File format : MP4
- Minimum resolution : 720p
- Participants are strongly encouraged to upload the video to a third-party platform (eg. Dropbox, Google Drive, etc) and provide a downloadable link for access by the Organiser.
- Submission deadline:
- All submissions must be email to scmc2026@sco.com.sg no later than 22 July 2026, 5pm
- Submission received after the deadline will not be accepted.
- A submission shall only be deemed valid only upon successful receipt by the Organiser. Participants are responsible for ensuring that the video is properly delivered and accessible.
- The Organiser shall not be held responsible for any failed or incomplete submission, including but not limited to incorrect email address, file size limitations, technical errors, internet connectivity issues, or system disruptions.
- Participants are strongly advised to submit early to avoid potential last-minute technical issues.
- Failure to comply with the above requirements, or failure of receipt by the deadline, will result in withdrawal or disqualification.
Semi-final Round:
- Semi-finalists are required to perform one piece of their choice with piano accompaniment.
- The choice piece must not exceed 12 minutes in duration and must not duplicate any repertories performed in the Preliminary or Finals Rounds.
- Semi-finalists are responsible for engaging their own accompanists. A piano will be provided by the Organiser, and will remain in a fixed position for all participants within the same instrument category.
Final Round:
- Finalists are required to perform one concerto of their choice with orchestral accompaniment provided by the SCO. The performance must not exceed 20mins in duration.
- Finalists may select a concerto from the list provided by the Organiser or propose an alternative work for approval. For works not included in the provided list, the Finalist must be submitted to the Organiser for approval.
- The list of reference concertos is applicable to the following instruments only: Dizi, Erhu, Guzheng, Pipa, Sheng, Suona, Yangqin & Zhongruan.
All submitted works must not be arrangements or adaptations of Western or non-Chinese music.
Choice Concerto (Final)
Download Choice ConcertoEnsemble category
Final Round:
- This category will be adjudicated in a single round (no preliminary round)
- Ensembles are to perform two pieces of their choice.
- Submitted works must no be arrangements or adaptations of Western or non-Chinese music.
- The total performance time must fall within the following duration (including breaks between pieces):
Category A 9 – 12 minutes
Category B 12 – 15 minutes
JUNIOR & INTERMEDIATE Categories
Preliminary Round:
- Participants are to perform one set piece.
- Participants must perform the set pieces according to the scores provided by the Organiser.
Finals:
- Finalists are to perform two pieces of their choice without accompaniment.
- The pieces should be contrasting in mood and style, and should not include any piece performed in the Preliminary Round.
- Submitted works must not be rearrangements or adaptations of Western music or non-Chinese music.
- The total performance time must fall within the following duration (including breaks between pieces):
Junior Category 6 – 10 minutes
Intermediate Category 10 – 15 minutes
Senior Category
Preliminary Round:
- Participants are to perform one set piece.
- Participants must perform the set pieces according to the scores provided by the Organiser.
Finals:
- Finalists are to perform one set concerto with piano accompaniment.
- Finalists must perform the set concerto according to the scores provided by the Organiser.
- Finalists are required to make arrangement for their own accompanists. Piano will be provided by the Organiser, which will remain in the same position for all participants within the same instrument category.
Set Pieces for junior, intermediate & senior categories
Grand Category
Preliminary Round:
Participants are required to submit a video recording of a solo performance with a duration of 7 to 10mins.
- Performance Requirements
The video must feature:
- One piece of the participant’s own choice
- A solo performance without accompaniment
- A performance played from memory
- Recording Requirements
The video must:
- Be recorded in a single continuous take (no editing or splicing permitted)
- Be filmed with a stable, fixed camera position throughout
- Clearly show the participant’s face, hands and musical instrument at all times
- Be recorded in a quiet environment with minimal background distractions
- Recording Period
The video must be recorded not more than six (6) months prior to submission.
- Submission format
- File format : MP4
- Minimum resolution : 720p
- Participants are strongly encouraged to upload the video to a third-party platform (eg. Dropbox, Google Drive, etc) and provide a downloadable link for access by the Organiser.
- Submission deadline:
- All submissions must be email to scmc2026@sco.com.sg no later than 22 July 2026, 5pm
- Submission received after the deadline will not be accepted.
- A submission shall only be deemed valid only upon successful receipt by the Organiser. Participants are responsible for ensuring that the video is properly delivered and accessible.
- The Organiser shall not be held responsible for any failed or incomplete submission, including but not limited to incorrect email address, file size limitations, technical errors, internet connectivity issues, or system disruptions.
- Participants are strongly advised to submit early to avoid potential last-minute technical issues.
- Failure to comply with the above requirements, or failure of receipt by the deadline, will result in withdrawal or disqualification.
Semi-final Round:
- Semi-finalists are required to perform one piece of their choice with piano accompaniment.
- The choice piece must not exceed 12 minutes in duration and must not duplicate any repertories performed in the Preliminary or Finals Rounds.
- Semi-finalists are responsible for engaging their own accompanists. A piano will be provided by the Organiser, and will remain in a fixed position for all participants within the same instrument category.
Final Round:
- Finalists are required to perform one concerto of their choice with orchestral accompaniment provided by the SCO. The performance must not exceed 20mins in duration.
- Finalists may select a concerto from the list provided by the Organiser or propose an alternative work for approval. For works not included in the provided list, the Finalist must be submitted to the Organiser for approval.
- The list of reference concertos is applicable to the following instruments only: Dizi, Erhu, Guzheng, Pipa, Sheng, Suona, Yangqin & Zhongruan.
All submitted works must not be arrangements or adaptations of Western or non-Chinese music.
Choice Concerto (Final)
Download Choice ConcertoEnsemble category
Final Round:
- This category will be adjudicated in a single round (no preliminary round)
- Ensembles are to perform two pieces of their choice.
- Submitted works must no be arrangements or adaptations of Western or non-Chinese music.
- The total performance time must fall within the following duration (including breaks between pieces):
Category A 9 – 12 minutes
Category B 12 – 15 minutes
Rules and Regulation
Participation in the Competition constitutes full acceptance of the conditions set out below :
- The registration fee, practice session fee and any overpayment are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Participants may enter both the Solo and Ensemble Sections of the Competition. Each participant in the Ensemble Section may represent only one ensemble.
- Participants are not permitted to enter multiple Solo categories using the same instrument type.
- The Organiser reserves the right to cancel or combine any competition rounds and/or categories in the event of insufficient entries. Where such cancellation or combination occurs, affected participants will be notified by the Organiser and may be offered the following options:
- To proceed with the Competition under the revised (combined) category/format; or
- To transfer their participation to another eligible category, where applicable.
Participants must confirm their decision in writing by 11 September 2026. Participants who choose not to proceed under the revised arrangement or are unable to be placed in an alternative category, will be entitled to a full refund of the registration fee and practice session fee (if applicable).
- Any applicant who provides knowingly inaccurate or misleading information will be disqualified.
- In cases of doubt, the Organiser reserves the right to determine the professional status of applicants and to reject any entry.
- Participants entering Final Round of the Solo Grand Category must rehearse independently with the conductor and orchestra.
- Participants and their supporters must not communicate with or attempt to influence the Adjudicating Panel. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in disqualification of the participant.
- Participants must be neatly and appropriately dressed for all rounds of the Competition.
- The Organiser reserves the right to amend the rules and regulations of the Competition without prior notice. In the event of discrepancies between the English and Chinese versions, the English version shall prevail.
- In the event of any disputes, the decision of the Organiser and/or the Adjudicating Panel acting on its behalf shall be final. No appeals or correspondence will be entertained.
REPERTOIRE
- If the choice piece(s) (excluding concerto for Grand Final), exceeds the time limit, participants may perform excerpts, which must be clearly indicated on the submitted score during registration.
- The Organiser reserves the right to reject choice pieces and request participants to amend and resubmit their choice pieces if they do not meet the Competition’s standards and requirements.
- All pieces must be performed from memory.
- Any changes to repertoire must be submitted in writing to the Organiser no later than Monday, 22 July 2026.
- Participants performing unpublished works in manuscript form must obtain necessary approvals under the Copyright Act. The Organiser shall not be held responsible for any copyright or composer fee issues. Participants shall indemnify the Organiser against any claims or actions arising from copyright infringement.
ACCOMPANISTS
- All participants must perform their pieces without accompaniment, except for Finalists of the Senior Category and Semi-finalists of the Solo Grand Category.
- Participants must arrange for their own accompanists. The Organiser will provide a piano tuned to 442Hz, which will remain in a fixed position for all participants within the same instrument category.
ORDER OF APPEARANCE
- E-balloting session will be conducted to determine the participant’s order of appearance at all rounds of the Competition. The order of appearance will be announced on Friday, 18 September 2026 on the Competition website.
COMPETITION
- Participants shall make all necessary preparations before commencing the performance at the Competition, including tuning of their instruments.
- Participants and/or their accompanists (if any) must report to the Competition venue(s) by their scheduled time with all the necessary instrument(s), score(s) and materials. Late arrival or failure to bring required materials may result in be disqualification.
PUBLICITY, RECORDING & BROADCASTING
- Prize winners in all categories may be invited, without remuneration to perform in publicly, on television, on radio and/or attend interviews related to the Competition.
- The Organiser reserves the right to conduct live-streaming, audio and video recording, and photography for the Competition and related activities for broadcasting and promotional purposes without any payment to the participants. Participants are deemed to have given consent to such activities. The Organiser retains all rights to such recordings and materials.
- Participants and their supporters are strictly prohibited from taking photographs, audio, or video recordings during the Competition or in any other competition-related events. Uploading relevant materials and records on social media platforms is also not allowed.
PRIZE WINNERS’ CONCERT, FINAL FOR GRAND CATEGORY CUM PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY
- Selected top prize winners from Solo & Ensemble Sections will be required to perform at the Prize Winners’ Concert on 11 December 2026. Winners may also have the opportunity to perform with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra at the Prize Winners’ Concert. The Organiser will select the music piece(s) to be performed. All selected winners must attend the rehearsals according to the schedule set by the Organiser.
- Finalists from the Solo Grand Category will compete at the Final for Grand Category cum Prize Presentation Ceremony on 12 December 2026.
- All prize winners of the solo categories and one representative from each winning ensemble are required to attend the prize presentation ceremony and its rehearsal on 12 December 2026.
Participation in the Competition constitutes full acceptance of the conditions set out below :
- The registration fee, practice session fee and any overpayment are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Participant may enter both the Solo and Ensemble Sections in the Competition. Each participant in the Ensemble Section may represent only one ensemble.
- The Organiser reserves the right to cancel or combine any competition rounds and/or categories in the event of insufficient entries. Where such cancellation or combination occurs, affected participants will be notified by the Organiser and may be offered to proceed with the Competition under the revised (combined) category. Participants must confirm their decision in writing by 11 September 2026. Participants who choose not to proceed under the revised arrangement, will be entitled to a full refund of the registration fee and practice session fee (if applicable).
- Any applicant who provides knowingly inaccurate or misleading information will be disqualified.
- Participants and their supporters must not communicate with or attempt to influence the Adjudicating Panel. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in disqualification of the participant.
- Participants must be neatly and appropriately dressed for all rounds of the Competition.
- The Organiser reserves the right to amend the rules and regulations of the Competition without prior notice. In the event of discrepancies between the English and Chinese versions, the English version shall prevail.
- In the event of any disputes, the decision of the Organiser and/or the Adjudicating Panel acting on its behalf, shall be final. No appeals or correspondence will be entertained.
REPERTOIRES
- If the choice piece(s) exceeds the time limit, participants may perform excerpts, which must be clearly indicated on the submitted scores during registration.
- The Organiser reserves the right to reject choice pieces and request participants to amend and resubmit their choice pieces if they do not meet the Competition’s standards and requirements.
- Any changes to repertoire must be submitted in writing to the Organiser no later than Monday, 22 July 2026.
- Participants performing unpublished works in manuscript form must obtain necessary approvals under the Copyright Act. The Organiser shall not be held responsible for any copyright or composer fee issues. Participants shall indemnify the Organiser against any claims or actions arising from copyright infringement.
ORDER OF APPEARANCE
- E-balloting session will be conducted to determine the participant’s order of appearance at all rounds of the Competition. The order of appearance will be announced on Friday, 18 September 2026 on the Competition website.
COMPETITION
- Participants shall make all necessary preparation before commencing the performance at the Competition, including tuning of their instruments.
- Participants must report to the Competition venue(s) by their scheduled time with all the necessary instrument(s), score(s) and materials. Late arrival or failure to bring required materials may result in be disqualification.
PUBLICITY, RECORDING & BROADCASTING
- Prize winners in all categories may be invited, without remuneration to perform in publicly, on television, on radio and/or attend interviews related to the Competition.
- The Organiser reserves the right to conduct live-streaming, audio and video recording, and photography for the Competition and related activities for broadcasting and promotional purposes without any payment to the participants. Participants are deemed to have given consent to such activities. The Organiser retains all rights to such recordings and materials.
- Participants and their supporters are strictly prohibited from taking photographs, audio, or video recordings during the Competition or in any other competition-related events. Uploading relevant materials and records on social media platforms is also not allowed.
PRIZE WINNERS’ CONCERT AND FINAL FOR GRAND CATEGORY CUM PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY
- Selected top prize winners from Solo & Ensemble Sections will be required to perform at the Prize Winners’ Concert on 11 December 2026. The Organiser will select the music piece(s) to be performed. All selected winners must attend the rehearsals according to the schedule set by the Organiser.
- All prize winners of the solo categories and one representative from each winning ensemble are required to attend the prize presentation ceremony and its rehearsal on 12 December 2026.
Participation in the Competition constitutes full acceptance of the conditions set out below :
- The registration fee, practice session fee and any overpayment are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Participants may enter both the Solo and Ensemble Sections of the Competition. Each participant in the Ensemble Section may represent only one ensemble.
- Participants are not permitted to enter multiple Solo categories using the same instrument type.
- The Organiser reserves the right to cancel or combine any competition rounds and/or categories in the event of insufficient entries. Where such cancellation or combination occurs, affected participants will be notified by the Organiser and may be offered the following options:
- To proceed with the Competition under the revised (combined) category/format; or
- To transfer their participation to another eligible category, where applicable.
Participants must confirm their decision in writing by 11 September 2026. Participants who choose not to proceed under the revised arrangement or are unable to be placed in an alternative category, will be entitled to a full refund of the registration fee and practice session fee (if applicable).
- Any applicant who provides knowingly inaccurate or misleading information will be disqualified.
- In cases of doubt, the Organiser reserves the right to determine the professional status of applicants and to reject any entry.
- Participants entering Final Round of the Solo Grand Category must rehearse independently with the conductor and orchestra.
- Participants and their supporters must not communicate with or attempt to influence the Adjudicating Panel. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in disqualification of the participant.
- Participants must be neatly and appropriately dressed for all rounds of the Competition.
- The Organiser reserves the right to amend the rules and regulations of the Competition without prior notice. In the event of discrepancies between the English and Chinese versions, the English version shall prevail.
- In the event of any disputes, the decision of the Organiser and/or the Adjudicating Panel acting on its behalf shall be final. No appeals or correspondence will be entertained.
REPERTOIRE
- If the choice piece(s) (excluding concerto for Grand Final), exceeds the time limit, participants may perform excerpts, which must be clearly indicated on the submitted score during registration.
- The Organiser reserves the right to reject choice pieces and request participants to amend and resubmit their choice pieces if they do not meet the Competition’s standards and requirements.
- All pieces must be performed from memory.
- Any changes to repertoire must be submitted in writing to the Organiser no later than Monday, 22 July 2026.
- Participants performing unpublished works in manuscript form must obtain necessary approvals under the Copyright Act. The Organiser shall not be held responsible for any copyright or composer fee issues. Participants shall indemnify the Organiser against any claims or actions arising from copyright infringement.
ACCOMPANISTS
- All participants must perform their pieces without accompaniment, except for Finalists of the Senior Category and Semi-finalists of the Solo Grand Category.
- Participants must arrange for their own accompanists. The Organiser will provide a piano tuned to 442Hz, which will remain in a fixed position for all participants within the same instrument category.
ORDER OF APPEARANCE
- E-balloting session will be conducted to determine the participant’s order of appearance at all rounds of the Competition. The order of appearance will be announced on Friday, 18 September 2026 on the Competition website.
COMPETITION
- Participants shall make all necessary preparations before commencing the performance at the Competition, including tuning of their instruments.
- Participants and/or their accompanists (if any) must report to the Competition venue(s) by their scheduled time with all the necessary instrument(s), score(s) and materials. Late arrival or failure to bring required materials may result in be disqualification.
PUBLICITY, RECORDING & BROADCASTING
- Prize winners in all categories may be invited, without remuneration to perform in publicly, on television, on radio and/or attend interviews related to the Competition.
- The Organiser reserves the right to conduct live-streaming, audio and video recording, and photography for the Competition and related activities for broadcasting and promotional purposes without any payment to the participants. Participants are deemed to have given consent to such activities. The Organiser retains all rights to such recordings and materials.
- Participants and their supporters are strictly prohibited from taking photographs, audio, or video recordings during the Competition or in any other competition-related events. Uploading relevant materials and records on social media platforms is also not allowed.
PRIZE WINNERS’ CONCERT, FINAL FOR GRAND CATEGORY CUM PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY
- Selected top prize winners from Solo & Ensemble Sections will be required to perform at the Prize Winners’ Concert on 11 December 2026. Winners may also have the opportunity to perform with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra at the Prize Winners’ Concert. The Organiser will select the music piece(s) to be performed. All selected winners must attend the rehearsals according to the schedule set by the Organiser.
- Finalists from the Solo Grand Category will compete at the Final for Grand Category cum Prize Presentation Ceremony on 12 December 2026.
- All prize winners of the solo categories and one representative from each winning ensemble are required to attend the prize presentation ceremony and its rehearsal on 12 December 2026.
Participation in the Competition constitutes full acceptance of the conditions set out below :
- The registration fee, practice session fee and any overpayment are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Participant may enter both the Solo and Ensemble Sections in the Competition. Each participant in the Ensemble Section may represent only one ensemble.
- The Organiser reserves the right to cancel or combine any competition rounds and/or categories in the event of insufficient entries. Where such cancellation or combination occurs, affected participants will be notified by the Organiser and may be offered to proceed with the Competition under the revised (combined) category. Participants must confirm their decision in writing by 11 September 2026. Participants who choose not to proceed under the revised arrangement, will be entitled to a full refund of the registration fee and practice session fee (if applicable).
- Any applicant who provides knowingly inaccurate or misleading information will be disqualified.
- Participants and their supporters must not communicate with or attempt to influence the Adjudicating Panel. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in disqualification of the participant.
- Participants must be neatly and appropriately dressed for all rounds of the Competition.
- The Organiser reserves the right to amend the rules and regulations of the Competition without prior notice. In the event of discrepancies between the English and Chinese versions, the English version shall prevail.
- In the event of any disputes, the decision of the Organiser and/or the Adjudicating Panel acting on its behalf, shall be final. No appeals or correspondence will be entertained.
REPERTOIRES
- If the choice piece(s) exceeds the time limit, participants may perform excerpts, which must be clearly indicated on the submitted scores during registration.
- The Organiser reserves the right to reject choice pieces and request participants to amend and resubmit their choice pieces if they do not meet the Competition’s standards and requirements.
- Any changes to repertoire must be submitted in writing to the Organiser no later than Monday, 22 July 2026.
- Participants performing unpublished works in manuscript form must obtain necessary approvals under the Copyright Act. The Organiser shall not be held responsible for any copyright or composer fee issues. Participants shall indemnify the Organiser against any claims or actions arising from copyright infringement.
ORDER OF APPEARANCE
- E-balloting session will be conducted to determine the participant’s order of appearance at all rounds of the Competition. The order of appearance will be announced on Friday, 18 September 2026 on the Competition website.
COMPETITION
- Participants shall make all necessary preparation before commencing the performance at the Competition, including tuning of their instruments.
- Participants must report to the Competition venue(s) by their scheduled time with all the necessary instrument(s), score(s) and materials. Late arrival or failure to bring required materials may result in be disqualification.
PUBLICITY, RECORDING & BROADCASTING
- Prize winners in all categories may be invited, without remuneration to perform in publicly, on television, on radio and/or attend interviews related to the Competition.
- The Organiser reserves the right to conduct live-streaming, audio and video recording, and photography for the Competition and related activities for broadcasting and promotional purposes without any payment to the participants. Participants are deemed to have given consent to such activities. The Organiser retains all rights to such recordings and materials.
- Participants and their supporters are strictly prohibited from taking photographs, audio, or video recordings during the Competition or in any other competition-related events. Uploading relevant materials and records on social media platforms is also not allowed.
PRIZE WINNERS’ CONCERT AND FINAL FOR GRAND CATEGORY CUM PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY
- Selected top prize winners from Solo & Ensemble Sections will be required to perform at the Prize Winners’ Concert on 11 December 2026. The Organiser will select the music piece(s) to be performed. All selected winners must attend the rehearsals according to the schedule set by the Organiser.
- All prize winners of the solo categories and one representative from each winning ensemble are required to attend the prize presentation ceremony and its rehearsal on 12 December 2026.
Prizes
The winners of in both the solo and ensemble sections will be awarded trophies, e-certificates and cash prizes as follows:
Junior
Intermediate
Senior
1st
$800
$1,000
$4,000
2nd
$500
$800
$2,000
3rd
$300
$500
$1,500
Grand
Winner
$10,000
Finalists*
$1,500
Audience Choice
$1,000
*Finalists’ prize money is awarded to those who have not won the Grand Prize.
Ensemble A
Ensemble B
1st
$4,000
$6,000
2nd
$2,500
$4,000
3rd
$1,500
$2,500
Junior
Intermediate
Senior
1st
$800
$1,000
$4,000
2nd
$500
$800
$2,000
3rd
$300
$500
$1,500
Grand
Winner
$10,000
Finalists*
$1,500
Audience Choice
$1,000
*Finalists’ prize money is awarded to those who have not won the Grand Prize.
Ensemble A
Ensemble B
1st
$4,000
$6,000
2nd
$2,500
$4,000
3rd
$1,500
$2,500
In the event of a tie, the prize money for the tied position and the subsequent prize in the ranking will be combined and distributed evenly among the tied participants. In the event of a tie for the 3rd prize, both winners will each receive the published prize amount.
MUSIC MENTOR Award
In acknowledgment of dedicated instructors, the organiser will present a e-certificate and trophy to those mentors who have successfully guided a minimum of 5 students from Solo Section to the Finals. This gesture serves to appreciate and recognise educators for their commitment to nurturing participant talents.
FAQ
Notification Timeline
Please refer to the following timeline for important notices
Timeline
Important event/information made available
6 weeks after submission of registration documents
Receive hardcopy of scores for set pieces
Wednesday, 22 July 2026, 5pm
Deadline for submission of applications
Friday, 28 August 2026
Announcement of Semi-Finalists for Solo Grand Category
Friday, 11 September 2026
Confirmation of registration for the competition and practice session
Friday, 18 September 2026
Announcement of Order of Appearance (e-Balloting)
Friday, 16 October 2026
Receive information on reporting details for the competition
Competition Rules & Regulations and Procedure
Yes, there is no lower bound on age, only an upper bound.
No. You can only participate in one category per section. This is to ensure fairness in awarding prizes for the competition, and to provide a platform for more musicians to participate. However, you can take part in ONE solo category and ONE ensemble section.
Photography, audio, and video recording is NOT permitted during the Competition or related events, including Final for Grand Category and Prize Winners’ Concert. This is in respect of the relevant copyright owners, and to safeguard the confidentiality of the Competition.
You will receive a PDF of the scores for your set pieces within 6 weeks from the Organiser upon receipt of your complete registration. Please also note that the Organiser may not be able to resend the score should they be misplaced.
For Solo Section participants, all pieces in the Competition must be performed from memory.
The exact date and time for your competition of the Preliminary or Semi-Final Rounds, and the Final Round (Ensemble only) will be sent to you latest by mail by 16 October 2026. In the meantime, please make sure you are available on all the competition and concert dates. The Organiser will not be providing refunds for the Registration Fee and Practice Session booking fee in the event that you are not able to make it for the day of the competition.
The Adjudicating Panel will deliberate at the end of each category, and results will be announced within 30 minutes at the end of each category or the day. Results will also be made available at the Registration Counter, on the SCMC website and social media platforms:
Website: scmc.sco.com.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scmc.sg
IG: https://www.instagram.com/scmc.sg
After results are announced, Finalists or Winners will be notified and be briefed in-person, or through a phone call and email if they have left the premise. We appreciate that all participants provide a valid contact number and email address.
Yes. Do ensure that you have sufficient and proficient help with the carrying of these items around and on stage.
With the exception of the piano for Solo Section Senior and Grand categories, no other instruments (percussion included) will be provided by the Organiser or venue. Please make your own arrangements to transport your instruments.
Yes, especially Guzheng and Yangqin participants need to bring their own instrument stand.
Yes, please inform the Organiser. Only the crew can assist you to adjust the height you require, please do not adjust it yourself.
Yes, this is only for Solo Senior and Grand categories, where the accompanist may need a page turner. You can have 2 chaperones (including page turner) and 1 piano accompanist with you in the finals or semi-final.
Yes, this is in consideration especially for Solo Senior and Grand category, where a page turner may be required for the accompanist. However, you will need to write in at least 2 weeks before your Practice Session and the start of the Competition to inform us on the names of the respective person(s).
Affiliated parties of the finalists in the Solo Grand category are strictly prohibited from observing or providing input during rehearsals with the orchestra. Finalists must rehearse independently with the conductor and orchestra.
Booking of practice sessions
You will be notified through official letter via email, together with the acceptance of your application to the competition.
Each practice time slot for Junior and Intermediate categories is 30 minutes, and each practice time slot for Senior, Grand categories and Ensemble is 1 hour. This includes bump-in and bump-out time. There will not be any extension of time in the event that you or your group arrives later than the stipulated slot.
Please refer to the official letter email to you via postal mail. If you did not receive any official letter, please contact the Organiser to confirm your booking. The Organiser will resend a confirmation email. You are required to present the letter or email, together with your or your group’s representative identification document to be admitted.
prize winners’ presentation ceremony & concert
The Organiser shall inform all the prize winners with regards to the reporting time after the end of the respective categories. Please inform us through email if you are unable to attend. We will arrange for you to collect the trophy at the SCO office after the Prize Presentation Ceremony and Concert. For ensembles, if the representative is unable to attend, you may send another member to represent the ensemble in collecting the trophy.