Who can join events

The Preliminary Round is the first stage of the Ivy International Music Competition and is open to entrants worldwide. Competitors may take part online by submitting a video of their performance, or, in cities where a live preliminary is held, register for the on-site round and perform before a judging panel in person. Both formats are evaluated under the same criteria — technical accuracy, musicality and expression, and stage performance — and carry equal weight in advancing to the next stage. Entrants choose whichever option suits them best.

A portfolio video is often the first thing a conservatory or university admissions panel sees, and its quality shapes their first impression. The Ivy International Music Competition offers professional portfolio recording sessions built to meet school submission standards: continuous unedited takes, clear framing of the performer and the instrument, and dedicated audio recording rather than in-camera sound. Single-camera and multi-camera options are available depending on the level of production value required. Applicants leave with footage suitable for both school applications and competition entry.

The Global Finals are held each August in Boston, bringing together competitors who have advanced from the preliminary rounds. Finalists may perform live on stage before the jury or enter the online division by submitting a video from anywhere in the world. Both formats are judged by the same panel and under the same criteria — technical accuracy, musicality and expression, and stage performance. Every finalist receives detailed written commentary from the judging committee, with criterion-by-criterion feedback rather than a score alone.