VAM’s annual competitions aim to identify the accomplishment of talented students and offer recognition for their hard work. Awards include opportunities to perform as soloist with one of VAM’s orchestras and scholarships to assist students in advancing their musical studies.
2021/22 Applications Open
Kay Meek Competition
Who is eligible: VAM students 14 and older as of May 30, 2022
Application deadline: May 2, 2022
Competition dates: May 30, 2022
To apply: Apply online or download an application form.
Elsje de Ridder Armstrong Chamber Music Competition
Who is eligible: Chamber groups consisting of VAM registered students
Application deadline: May 16, 2022
Competition dates: June 12, 2022
To apply: Apply online or download an application form.
Barbara Clague Festival of Song
Who is eligible: VAM voice students aged 18 or under as of January 1, 2022
Application deadline: March 14, 2022
Competition dates: April 9, 2022
To apply: Apply online or download an application form.
Jerold Gerbrecht Woodwind & Brass Competition
Who is eligible: VAM woodwind & brass students
Application deadline: January 31, 2022
Competition dates: February 18 (Preliminaries), March 11 (Finals), 2022
To apply: Apply online or download an application form.
Edith Lando Gifted Youth Competition
Who is eligible: VAM students 13 and under as of December 31, 2021
Application deadline: January 17, 2022
Competition dates: February 14 (Preliminaries), March 6 (Finals), 2022
To apply: Apply online or download an application form.
Alto Clef Festival
Who is eligible: VAM viola students
Application deadline: May 9, 2022
Competition dates: June 6, 2022
To apply: Apply online or download an application form.
Phyllis Salter Piano Competition
Who is eligible: VAM piano students ages 26 and under
Application deadline: April 19, 2022
Competition dates: May 20 (Competition), May 28 (Winner's Recital), 2022
To apply: Apply online or download an application form.
2021/22 Applications Closed
Bjorn & Lori Hareid Provincial Concerto Competition (Next competition in 2022/2023)
Who is eligible: Music students residing in BC age 26 and under as of May 10, 2021
Application deadline: May 10, 2021
Competition dates: June 1-4, 2021
To apply: Apply online or download an application form.
VAMIS Concerto Competition
Who is eligible: Registered members of VAMIS
Application deadline: September 27
Competition dates: October 15
To apply: Apply online or download an application form.
Young Composers’ Competition (Next competition in 2022/2023)
Who is eligible: Music students residing in BC age 22 and under as of December 31, 2019
Application deadline: January 10
Competition dates: April 4 finalist reading session with VAM Symphony Orchestra
To apply: Apply online or download an application form.
VAMJS Concerto Competition
Who is eligible: Registered members of VAMJS
Application deadline: September 27
Competition dates: October 15
To apply: Apply online or download an application form.
POSTPONED due to COVID-19: Aldo Parisot Cellofest Competition
Who is eligible: Students currently or previously enrolled in private cello lessons at VAM age 26 and under as of June 1, 2020
To apply: Applications are not currently available.
VAMPJ Debut Spotlight Solo Competition
Who is eligible: Registered members of VAMPJ
Application deadline: September 27
Competition dates: October 15
To apply: Apply online or download an application form.