Presented by Perth Symphony Orchestra, the City of Joondalup's Young Musician of the Year Award is back in 2025—bigger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever!
Open to Western Australia's most talented young musicians aged 14 to 23, this thrilling competition is your chance to shine on a prestigious stage. If you're performing at minimum Grade 6 AMEB level or studying Year 12 ATAR Music, it's time to take your passion to the next level.
Show off your skills in one of five exciting categories:
🎺 Brass 🥁 Percussion 🎻 Strings 🎷 Woodwind 🎹 Piano
The journey ends in a spectacular Grand Finale, where the top performers from each category go head-to-head for the ultimate honour: being crowned the City of Joondalup’s Young Musician of the Year!
Ready to make your mark? This is your stage. This is your moment.
HOW TO ENTER #
1. Entries will OPEN on Friday, 1 August 2025 at 08:00am AWST
2. Entries will CLOSE on Sunday, 31 August 2025 at 11:59pm AWST, entries received after this deadline will not be considered.
3. Finalists NOTIFIED on Friday, 19 September 2025
4. Entries should be made via the Perth Symphony Orchestra form provided below.
- Entry is FREE
5. Entrants must select their chosen category from the options and submit:
- One (1) photograph
- A short bio (not exceeding 150 words), please include why music is important to you.
- List the Repertoire in the provided box and upload a PDF version of the score.
- Not exceed 10 minutes in length.
- Consist of two (2) contrasting pieces or excerpts.
- Include a short introduction for each piece.
- Be unedited and one (1) continuous piece of footage.
7. Any entrant who does not comply with the above criteria will be disqualified.
NOTE: Entrants are strongly advised to read through the FAQS and the General Rules and Terms and Conditions prior to submitting an entry.
JOIN THE WAITLIST
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Be the first to hear when entries open for Perth Symphony Orchestra’s Young Musician of the Year Award.
By joining the waitlist, you also agree to receive occasional updates from Perth Symphony Orchestra about this award, other youth opportunities, upcoming performances, and special events.
You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in our emails or by contacting us directly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS #
Is there specific file naming required?
Your uploaded documents/images should be uploaded in the following format e.g. J.Doe
Am I able to compete in other categories?
You can only register once per category. If you would like to compete in multiple categories, please submit an additional form/s.
Are there specific guidelines for the repertoire selection or style of the performance?
All repertoire must be from a minimum Grade 6 AMEB or Year 12 ATAR Syllabus across all instruments. We also have a list of suggested repertoire for you here
Who will be reviewing the submissions?
Each entry will be reviewed by our specialist adjudicator in each category. The panel includes:
- Dr. Ashley Smith (Woodwind)
- Dr. Paul Tanner (Percussion)
- Ms. Stephanie Nicholls (Piano)
- Mr. Keiran Hurley (Brass)
- Mr. Paul Wright (Strings)
How will entries be judged both in the submission and in the finals?
Each entry will be judged on overall musicality and technical mastery, based on the following:
| Technical Skills General | PERCUSSION Specific Technical Skills | Musicality | Intonation | Stage Presence | Additional Considerations for Higher Grades (Grade 8 and above) |
Accuracy of notes, rhythms, and articulations Tone production (for wind and brass instruments) Bow technique (for string instruments) Control of dynamics | Mallets: Proper grip, stroke mechanics, and coordination for marimba, vibraphone, etc. Drums: Clean sticking technique, appropriate use of different strokes (roll, flam, etc.), and controlled dynamics. Auxiliary instruments: Solid technique on instruments like bells, chimes, and auxiliary percussion. | Interpretation of the music Phrasing and articulation Use of dynamics and tempo Overall musical expression | Accuracy of pitch | Poise and posture Connection with the audience | Difficulty of repertoire selection Technical mastery Musical maturity Artistry and individuality |
What can you tell me about the prize money?
The total prize pool is $5,000 with the following allocation -
1st Prize $2,500 + a performance opportunity with Perth Symphony Orchestra (date and program to be arranged in consultation with PSO)
2nd Prize $1,500
3rd Prize $1,000
I have some questions, who I should contact for more information?
If you have any questions or need more information, please submit your enquiries to Marie-Claire Donnelly, Community Engagement Manager, atemail hidden; JavaScript is required
I am experiencing difficulty submitting my entry, who should I contact?
If you are having trouble submitting your entry, please email email hidden; JavaScript is required AND email hidden; JavaScript is required PRIOR to the application deadline. This correspondence will be logged, and provisions for late submission may be considered.
Are there opportunities for feedback or critique of submissions?
Due to the large number of entrants, we are unable to provide individual feedback.