🎼 International Music Talent Award (IMTA)

Celebrating Global Excellence in Music Performance, Composition, and Innovation

🏆 About the Competition

The International Music Talent Award (IMTA) is a global music competition open to musicians, composers, conductors, ensembles, and music creators of all ages and backgrounds. The competition aims to recognize exceptional talent, cultural diversity, innovation, and artistic impact through a broad, inclusive, and creative format.

IMTA welcomes classical, contemporary, traditional, experimental, and cross-genre submissions. All performances are evaluated by an international jury of professional musicians, educators, and industry leaders.

📅 Key Dates

• Application Opens: 20 September 2025

• Application Deadline: 15 November 2025 

• Results Announced:  30 November 2025

🧒 Age Groups (determined on the date of application deadline)

1. Prodigy – Age 7 and under

2. Junior – Ages 8–10

3. Youth – Ages 11–13

4. Young Artist – Ages 14–17

5. Advanced – Ages 18–22

6. Professional/Open – Age 23+ or no age limit

7. Group Average – For ensembles, age is calculated by average

🎵 Award Categories (Entrants may apply to multiple categories)

1. Performance Excellence

• Open to instrumentalists and vocalists (solo, duo, ensemble, or orchestral)

• All styles and genres welcome (classical, jazz, folk, pop, world music, etc.)

• Video required (live or studio)

2. Composition & Songwriting

• Submit original works in any genre (classical, jazz, contemporary, film/game, electronic, etc.)

• Score + audio or video accepted (MIDI allowed)

• Categories:

  • Classical Composition

  • Songwriting

  • Film/Game/Multimedia Score

  • Experimental or Fusion Work

3. Cultural & National Music

• Showcase music that represents a specific cultural, ethnic, or national tradition

• Open to performers and composers

• Instruments from all traditions welcome

4. Music Innovation & Creation

• Projects that combine music with other media (video, visuals, dance, technology)

• Categories:

  • Music Video

  • Multimedia Collaboration

  • Improvisation & Experimentation

  • Innovative Writing (education, theory, methodology)

5. Conducting

• Video of conducting a live performance or rehearsal

• Open to orchestral, choral, or ensemble conductors

6. Arranging/Transcription

• Submit a video or audio of your own arrangement or transcription of a known work

• Score optional, MIDI accepted

7. Ensemble/Group Awards

• Chamber Ensemble (2–10 players)

• Choir/Vocal Ensemble

• Orchestra/Symphonic Group

8. Special Recognition

• Young Talent Award (Under 13)

• Women in Music Award

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration Award

• Outstanding Educator Mentorship Award (teachers can be nominated)

📄 Submission Guidelines

• Video and/or audio required (older recordings allowed, must reflect entrant's current skill level)

• Duration Limits:

  • Prodigy: up to 5 mins

  • Junior: up to 7 mins

  • Youth: up to 10 mins

  • Young Artist: up to 12 mins

  • Advanced: up to 15 mins 

  • Professional: up to 20 mins

• Format: MP4, YouTube/Vimeo link, MP3, WAV, PDF (for scores), or image/PDF (for writing or visuals)

• Language: English preferred; translations welcome for written submissions

📬 How to Apply

• Complete the online application form on the page 

• Upload your materials or provide links

• Pay the entry fee (amount varies by category and age group)

• Optional: Submit a short artist statement (max 300 words) about your work or cultural context

🧑‍⚖️ Evaluation Criteria

• Artistic and technical excellence

• Creativity and originality

• Cultural expression and/or global relevance

• Presentation and professionalism

• Innovation or emotional impact (where applicable)

🥇 Awards & Recognition

• Gold / Silver / Bronze Awards in each category and age group

• Grand Prize Winner: Selected from top performers in each category

• Special Mention Certificates for innovation, creativity, or cultural contribution

• Publication/Promotion on official site and social media

• Professional feedback from jury (for all participants)

• Invitation to participate in future showcases or masterclasses (online/in-person)

🌍 Mission Statement

The International Music Talent Award fosters global musical excellence, celebrates diversity, and encourages creativity without borders. We welcome musicians from every country, culture, and musical tradition.