Competition Status: 2023/24 Applications Closed

VAMJS Concerto Competition

Class Description: VAM presents its seventh annual VAM Junior Symphony Concerto Competition providing an opportunity for up to three soloists to perform a movement of a concerto with the VAM Junior Symphony.* VAM will ensure that the competition is impartially and professionally conducted with a two-person adjudication panel consisting of experienced musicians with no affiliation with the competing musicians. *performance date to be assigned by conductor Eligibility Eligible students: -are currently members in good standing of VAM Junior Symphony; -are not winners of the VAMJS 2022/23 Concerto Competition. Dates Application Deadline: September 25, 2023, 11:59pm Competition: October 16, 2023 Students will receive notice of their specific time slot following the application deadline. Competition Rules 1. Students must perform on the instrument they currently play in VAMJS. 2. The selection must be approved by VAMJS conductor Joseph Elworthy and meet length, orchestration and proficiency requirements. Repertoire approval will be confirmed within 3 business days of the application deadline. 3. Students must provide 2 copies of the solo part or piano reduction for the adjudication committee (photocopies are permitted). 4. Performers must perform from memory. 5. Performers must perform with and provide their own pianist. 6. The competition phase is closed to the public with the exception of the parent/guardian and teacher of the student performing; no video or audio recording permitted. 7. Repertoire selections must not exceed 15 minutes in duration. For the competition, tutti passages must be shortened. 8. All applications must include a non-refundable $60 application fee, which includes recording of the competition round. 9. 1 winner awarded the Orpheum Prize performs at the Orpheum Theatre; 2 winners awarded the VAM Prize will perform at VAM. 10. By applying to the competition, the student and parent/guardian agree that any resulting recordings may be used for VAM's promotional purposes. Apply [gravityform id="166" title="false" description="false"]

VAMFP Debut Spotlight Solo Competition

Class Description: VAM presents its 4th annual VAM Friendly Philharmonic, formerly known as Pre-Junior Symphony, Debut Spotlight Solo Competition providing an opportunity for up to three soloists to perform a movement of a concerto or solo piece with the VAM Friendly Philharmonic*. VAM will ensure that the competition is impartially and professionally conducted with a two-person adjudication panel consisting of experienced musicians with no affiliation with the competing musicians. *performance date to be assigned by conductor Eligibility Eligible students: -are currently members in good standing of VAM Friendly Philharmonic; -are not winners of the 2022/23 VAMPJ Solo Competition. Dates Application Deadline: September 25, 2023, 11:59pm Competition: October 16, 2023 Students will receive notice of their specific time slot following the application deadline. Competition Rules 1. Students must perform on the instrument they currently play in VAMFP. 2. The selection must be approved by VAMFP conductor and meet length, orchestration and proficiency requirements. Repertoire approval will be confirmed within 3 business days of the application deadline. 3. Students must provide 2 copies of the solo part or piano reduction for the adjudication committee (photocopies are permitted). 4. Performers must perform from memory. 5. Performers must perform with and provide their own pianist. 6. The competition phase is closed to the public with the exception of the parent/guardian and teacher of the student performing; no video or audio recording permitted. 7. Repertoire selections must not exceed 15 minutes in duration. For the competition, tutti passages must be shortened. 8. All applications must include a non-refundable $60 application fee, which includes recording of the competition round. 9. 1 winner awarded the Orpheum Prize performs at the Orpheum Theatre; 2 winners awarded the VAM Prize will perform at VAM. 10. By applying to the competition, the student and parent/guardian agree that any resulting recordings may be used for VAM's promotional purposes. Apply [gravityform id="167" title="false" description="false"]

VAMSO Vivaldi Competition

Class Description: VAM presents its inaugural VAMSO Vivaldi Competition providing an opportunity for up to four soloists to perform Vivaldi's The Four Seasons with the VAM Symphony Orchestra. VAM will ensure that the competition is impartially and professionally conducted with a two-person adjudication panel consisting of experienced musicians with no affiliation with the competing musicians. Eligibility Eligible students: -are currently violin members in good standing of VAM Symphony Orchestra Dates Application Deadline: September 25, 2023, 11:59pm Competition: October 16, 2023 Students will receive notice of their specific time slot following the application deadline. Competition Rules 1. Students must be current violinists with the VAM Symphony Orchestra. 2. Students must perform either the "Spring" & "Summer" concerti or "Fall" & "Winter" concerti of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons for the audition; adjudicators may request to hear only select movements from each concerto, but students must prepare the two concerti in full. 3. Students must provide 2 copies of the solo part or piano reduction for the adjudication committee (photocopies are permitted). 4. Performers must perform from memory. 5. Performers must perform with and provide their own pianist. 6. The competition phase is closed to the public with the exception of the parent/guardian and teacher of the student performing; no video or audio recording permitted. 7. For the competition, tutti passages must be shortened. 8. All applications must include a non-refundable $60 application fee, which includes recording of the competition round. 9. By applying to the competition, the student and parent/guardian agree that any resulting recordings may be used for VAM's promotional purposes. Apply [gravityform id="189" title="true" description="true"]

BassFest Competition

Class Description: The Vancouver Academy of Music BassFest Competition is designed to identify talented bass students and afford them recognition and financial assistance. One adjudicator external to VAM will evaluate contestants with $3,000 in total scholarships awarded for select 2024/25 VAM tuition. Scholarships Up to three $500 scholarships will be awarded to students in each category: - Ages 15-18 - Ages 14 and under Scholarships will be applied to 2024/25 tuition for any of the following eligible VAM programs: private bass instruction, orchestra, Sea to Sky Chamberfest, theory, history, or Young Artist Collegiate Program. Receiving a scholarship does not guarantee admission into programs that require additional entrance requirements (e.g., application and/or audition). Eligibility Bass students up to the age of 18 as of March 4, 2024 are eligible to participate. This competition is open to both VAM and non-VAM students. Dates Application Deadline: February 5, 2024, 11:59pm Competition: March 4, 2024* *Students will receive notice of their specific time slot following the application deadline. Competition Rules -Applications must include a non-refundable registration fee of $60 made payable to the Vancouver Academy of Music. The application fee includes audio and video recording services provided by VAM; no other audio or video recording is permitted. -Applicants must prepare two contrasting selections with a maximum duration of 15 minutes or less, performed by memory. -Students must provide their own pianist. -A copy of the music must be provided for the adjudicator (photocopies permitted). -The competition phase will be closed to the public with the exception of the parents/guardians and teacher of the student performing. -The chosen winners will receive scholarships toward 2024/25 VAM tuition for select eligible programs. -By submitting an application, students and their parent/guardian understand that any recording resulting from the competition may be used for VAM promotional purposes. Apply [gravityform id="184" title="true" description="true"]

Phyllis Salter Piano Competition

Class Description: The Vancouver Academy of Music Phyllis Salter Piano Competition is designed to identify young talented students and afford them recognition and financial assistance. Up to nine winners will be chosen with $4,500 in total scholarship awards available for 2024/25 VAM tuition. Scholarships Up to three $500 scholarships will be awarded to winners in each category: -Age 26 and under -Age 18 and under -Age 12 and under Dates Application deadline: April 8, 2024 11:59pm Competition: April 29, 2024* Eligibility Eligible students are those currently enrolled in private piano lessons at VAM age 26 and under as of April 29, 2024. Previous winners of the Phyllis Salter Piano Competition are eligible to compete. Adjudicators Students will be adjudicated by a panel of two distinguished musicians external to VAM. Competition Rules -Applications must include a non-refundable registration fee of $60 made payable to the Vancouver Academy of Music. The application fee includes audio and video recording services provided by VAM; no other audio or video recording is permitted. -Students will be required to prepare one work with the following length requirements: a) 12 and under: maximum of 8 minutes b) 18 and under: maximum of 12 minutes c) 26 and under: maximum 15 minutes Concerti are not permitted. -The competition is closed to the public with the exception of the parent/guardian and teacher of the student performing. -The student must provide two copies of the score to the adjudicators (photocopies permitted). -The adjudicators retain the right to withhold any prize if, in their opinion, it is not merited. All decisions made by the adjudicators are final and without appeal. -By submitting an application, students and their parent/guardian understand that any recording resulting from the competition may be used for VAM promotional purposes. Apply [gravityform id="162" title="false" description="true"]

VAMIS Concerto Competition

Class Description: VAM presents its seventh annual VAM Intermediate Symphony Concerto Competition providing an opportunity for up to three soloists to perform a movement of a concerto with the VAM Intermediate Symphony.* VAM will ensure that the competition is impartially and professionally conducted with a two-person adjudication panel consisting of experienced musicians with no affiliation with the competing musicians. *performance date to be assigned by conductor Eligibility Eligible students: -are currently members in good standing of VAM Intermediate Symphony; -are not winners of the VAMIS 2022/23 Concerto Competition. Dates Application Deadline: September 25, 2023, 11:59pm Competition: October 16, 2023 Students will receive notice of their specific time slot following the application deadline. Competition Rules 1. Students must perform on the instrument they currently play in VAMIS. 2. The selection must be approved by VAMIS conductor Joseph Elworthy and meet length, orchestration and proficiency requirements. Repertoire approval will be confirmed within 3 business days of the application deadline. 3. Students must provide 2 copies of the solo part or piano reduction for the adjudication committee (photocopies are permitted). 4. Performers must perform from memory. 5. Performers must perform with and provide their own pianist. 6. The competition phase is closed to the public with the exception of the parent/guardian and teacher of the student performing; no video or audio recording permitted. 7. Repertoire selections must not exceed 15 minutes in duration. For the competition, tutti passages must be shortened. 8. All applications must include a non-refundable $60 application fee, which includes recording of the competition round. 9. 1 winner awarded the Orpheum Prize performs at the Orpheum Theatre; 2 winners awarded the VAM Prize will perform at VAM. 10. By applying to the competition, the student and parent/guardian agree that any resulting recordings may be used for VAM's promotional purposes. Apply [gravityform id="165" title="false" description="false"]

Edith Lando Gifted Youth Competition

Class Description: The Vancouver Academy of Music Edith Lando Gifted Youth Competition is designed to identify young talented students and afford them recognition and financial assistance. Two adjudicators external to VAM will choose eight finalists with $3,000 in total awarded for 2024/25 VAM scholarships. Dates Application Deadline: January 15, 2024, 11:59pm Competition: February 12, 2024* Winners' Concert: February 24, 2024* *Students will receive notice of their specific time slot following the application deadline and competition date. Eligibility Eligible students: - are 13 years of age or younger as of December 31, 2023. - have been enrolled in VAM private lessons since the beginning of the academic year. - have not appeared in more than three previous Gifted Youth Scholarship Recitals. Competition Rules -Applications must include a non-refundable registration fee of $60 made payable to the Vancouver Academy of Music. The application fee includes audio and video recording services provided by VAM; no other audio or video recording is permitted. -Students will be required to prepare one work for a maximum of 10 minutes, from memory (minimum RCM 8 or equivalent). Those selected will be required to perform the same repertoire at the Winners' Concert. -Two copies of the music must be submitted to the adjudicators during the competition phase (photocopies permitted). -The competition phase will be closed to the public with the exception of the parents/guardians and teacher of the student performing. -By submitting an application, students and their parent/guardian understand that any recording resulting from the competition may be used for VAM promotional purposes. Apply [gravityform id="159" title="false" description="true"]

Jerold Gerbrecht Woodwind & Brass Competition

Class Description: The Vancouver Academy of Music Jerold Gerbrecht Woodwind and Brass Competition is designed to offer recognition and financial assistance to talented woodwind and brass students. $1,200 total in scholarships will be awarded for 2024/25 VAM tuition. Instruments Flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion Eligibility Eligible students are those enrolled in VAM private lessons for any of the instruments listed above. Dates Application Deadline: January 29, 2024, 11:59pm Competition: February 26, 2024* * Students will receive notice of their specific time slot following the application deadline. Categories Junior: ages 15 and under Senior: ages 16+ Adjudicators Students will be evaluated by two distinguished musicians external to VAM. Competition Rules -Applications must include a non-refundable registration fee of $60 made payable to the Vancouver Academy of Music. The application fee includes audio and video recording services provided by VAM; no other audio or video recording is permitted. -Two copies of the music must be submitted to the adjudicators (photocopies permitted). -Applicants must prepare one work with accompaniment not to exceed 15 minutes in duration. -All applicants are responsible for arranging a pianist. -The competition phase will be closed to the public with the exception of the parents/guardians and teacher of the student performing. -The adjudicators retain the right to withhold any prize if, in their opinion, it is not merited. All decisions made by the adjudicators are final and without appeal. -By submitting an application, students and their parent/guardian understand that any recording resulting from the competition may be used for VAM promotional purposes. Application Form [gravityform id="160" title="false" description="true"]

Barbara Clague Festival of Song

Class Description: VAM is honored to present the 11th Annual Barbara Clague Festival of Song. The outpouring of support from the Clague family, as well as numerous friends wishing to pay tribute to Barbara Clague’s memory, has been both touching and inspiring. The purpose of the Festival is to spotlight talented vocalists in all ages, fostering their musical development with $1,200 in total scholarships awarded for 2024/25 VAM tuition. Categories -Junior: ages 12 and under -Intermediate: ages 13-18 -Adult: ages 19 and above Dates Application Deadline: May 13, 2024, 11:59pm Competition: June 9, 2024, 2:00pm Eligibility Eligible students: - are VAM voice students - are not previous winners of the Grand Prize. Repertoire Two contrasting classical, folk, or musical theatre songs. Adjudication The competition will be recorded and assessed by the adjudicator remotely after the live event. Competition Rules -Applications must include a non-refundable registration fee of $60 made payable to the Vancouver Academy of Music. The application fee includes audio and video recording services provided by VAM; no other audio or video recording is permitted. -A digital copy of the music must be submitted in the application form. -All vocalists must perform by memory. -All applicants are responsible for arranging a pianist. -The competition is open to the public. -The adjudicator retains the right to withhold any prize if, in their opinion, it is not merited. All decisions made by the adjudicator are final and without appeal. -By submitting an application, students and their parent/guardian understand that any recording resulting from the competition may be used for VAM promotional purposes. Apply [gravityform id="157" title="false" description="true"]  

Elsje de Ridder Armstrong Chamber Music Competition

Class Description: The Vancouver Academy of Music Elsje de Ridder Armstrong Chamber Music Competition is designed to identify young talented students and afford them recognition and financial assistance. Students will be adjudicated by one distinguished musician external to VAM, with $2,750 total scholarship awards available for 2024/25 VAM tuition. Dates Application Deadline: May 13, 2024, 11:59pm Competition: June 8, 2024* *Students will receive notice of their specific time slot following the application deadline. Auditions Selection of groups to compete is based on the following: -Recommendation by VAM faculty coach, who has delivered three or more hours of coaching to the group in the current academic year, by submitting a recommendation letter to Daniel Marshall ([email protected]). Eligibility Eligible ensembles: -are chamber groups consisting of 3-8 members registered in VAM's chamber music program. Categories Categories are determined by the average age of the group members: -Junior: up to 13 years old -Senior: 14 years old and older Competition Rules -Applications must include a non-refundable registration fee of $60, per group, made payable to the Vancouver Academy of Music. The application fee includes audio and video recording services provided by VAM; no other audio or video recording is permitted. -Chamber groups will be required to prepare one work for a maximum of 10 minutes. -The full score must be submitted to the adjudicator (photocopies permitted). -The competition phase is open to the public. -The adjudicator retains the right to withhold any prize, if, in their opinion, it is not merited. All decisions made by the adjudicator are final and without appeal. -By submitting an application, students and their parent/guardian understand that any recording resulting from the competition may be used for VAM promotional purposes. Apply [gravityform id="158" title="false" description="true"]