2026 Chamber Music Competition

The Premier Youth Chamber Music Competition on the West Coast

The Junior Chamber Music (JCM) Chamber Music Competition is widely regarded as the most competitive and prestigious youth chamber music competition on the West Coast. Open exclusively to current JCM students, this elite event showcases the highest level of ensemble performance from young musicians ages 8–21.

Competition Overview

This year’s competition will consist of three rounds:

  • Preliminary Round (Video Submission)

  • Live Semi-Final Round

  • Live Final Round and Concert Performance

Important Dates

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 (11:59 PM PST):
Deadline to submit all application materials and unlisted YouTube link(s) for the Preliminary Round.

  • Saturday, March 1, 2025:
    Notification of semi-finalists via email.

  • Saturday, March 8, 2025 – Live Rounds at Cerritos College Performing Arts Center

    • 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Semi-Final Round (maximum 8–10 ensembles per category)

    • 4:00 PM: Final Round & Prizewinner Concert

    • 5:30 PM: Awards Ceremony

Eligibility

Open only to ensembles whose members are fully enrolled in the current JCM season.

  • Ensemble members must all perform together in both the video submission and live rounds.

  • Categories (based on average age of group):

    • Elementary: Ages 11 & under

    • Junior: Ages 14 & under

    • Senior: Ages 21 & under


Prizes

  • 1st Prize: $750

  • 2nd Prize: $450

  • 3rd Prize and Honorable Mentions awarded in each category.

  • Grand Prize: Featured performance on the Da Camera Society Chamber Music Series in March 2026, sharing the stage with world-renowned professional ensembles.

Application Fee

  • $50 per ensemble member (non-refundable)

Repertoire Requirements

  • Any chamber work (2–8 players).

  • Preliminary Round: Up to 10 minutes total; may include multiple movements (with cuts as needed and repeats omitted).

  • Semi-Final Round: Maximum 7 minutes

  • Final Round: Full movement(s) up to 12 minutes

Video Submission Guidelines

  • Submit unedited, unspliced performance recorded in one take.

  • All ensemble members must perform together, in the same room.

  • Stationary camera; no panning, cuts, or close-ups.

  • External microphones permitted, but audio must match the video take.

  • Upload as unlisted YouTube link.

Additional Rules

  1. Age is calculated as of March 8, 2025.

  2. Proof of age must be submitted for each participant (e.g., birth certificate, student ID, driver's license).

  3. Judges' decisions are final and binding.

  4. No refunds for withdrawals or disqualifications.

Location for Live Rounds:
Cerritos College Performing Arts Center Recital Hall
11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Susan Boettger
Executive Director, JCM
susan@juniorchambermusic.org