- The competition is open to instrumentalists and singers aged 19 or under on the 14th March 2027.
- Competitors should have achieved a minimum performance standard of Grade 7 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music or equivalent.
- Completion of the official entry form and the payment of an entry fee of £20 is required for entry into the competition and must be received no later than the 10th January 2027. The entry fee is non-refundable. Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of Chorleywood Music.
- For the preliminary heat, all applicants are required to upload a video performance of a maximum of 5 mins via our website chorleywoodmusic.com/CYMY no later than 10th January 2027.
- The video performance can consist of a work(s), movement(s), or an excerpt(s). Where relevant the works should be accompanied, or unaccompanied if written for solo instrument/voice. It is recommended not to use recorded backing tracks. Contemporary commercial pop songs or performances primarily in a pop/commercial vocal style are not eligible. The work(s) chosen must be notified on the entry form.
- Video performances will be judged by a panel selected by Chorleywood Music. Up to eight finalists will be chosen from across the age and instrumental/voice range according to overall merit (based on factors of competence, interpretation, and performance).
- The judging panel’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
- Finalists will be informed by the 14th February 2027 and will be requested to perform at the Competition Final on Sunday 14th March 2027 at Richard Lawson Pianos, Unit 12, Amersham Commercial Park, Raans Road, Amersham, HP6 6FT https://www.richardlawsonpianos.com
- The Finalist’s programme must consist of two contrasting pieces of a maximum of 12 minutes (combined total). Details of the works chosen must be provided to Chorleywood Music when requested.
- The programme can be with piano accompaniment or unaccompanied (if written for solo instrument/voice). Competitors are required to provide their own accompanist. Chorleywood Music will provide details of accompaniments at your own expense on request.
- Finalist’s may perform work(s) from their video performance.
- Competitors are required to provide two copies of their music to be performed for the judges. Photocopies are acceptable (subject to permission of the copyright owner). There will be no photocopying facilities available at the competition venue. Competitors must not perform from photocopied music without the written consent of the publisher. Please refer to the Music Publishers’ Association for further information: mpaonline.org.uk
- The judging panel’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into. All Finalists will receive a written assessment by the judges after the competition.
- The winner will receive a trophy, a certificate, a cash prize of £500, and if a suitable standard is reached, a performance opportunity with the Chorleywood Orchestra. Cash prizes (£250 for 2nd place and £125 for 3rd place), a trophy and a certificate will be awarded to the runners up. Certificates will be awarded to the other finalists.
- Disregard of these rules can lead to disqualification at the discretion of Chorleywood Music.
- Chorleywood Music reserves the right to interpret these rules and, where reasonably necessary, to amend them. In the event of any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of the rules, the decision of Chorleywood Music will be final.
- Chorleywood Music reserves the right to cancel, postpone or make changes to the competition where circumstances beyond its reasonable control, or other exceptional circumstances, make this necessary.
