MYSP Concerto Competition
The annual MYSP Concerto Competition gives talented young musicians the opportunity to demonstrate their artistry and compete for the honor of performing as soloists with the Youth Symphony. Each year, talented young musicians from the Youth Symphony, Repertory Orchestra, and String Orchestra audition for the honor of performing as featured soloists with the Youth Symphony. This competition provides students with invaluable performance experience, the chance to work closely with professional conductors, and the opportunity to showcase their artistry in front of a live audience. Winners perform at the annual Concerto Concert, a highlight of our season that celebrates the exceptional talent within MYSP.
Questions: Contact executivedirectior@myspmusic.org
2026 Competition Details
Application Deadline: Saturday, December 20th, 2025
Audition Date: Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Location: Rhodes College, 2000 North Parkway, Memphis, TN 38112
Performance: Sunday, May 10th, 2026 at the Youth Symphony Annual Concerto Concert
Competition Guidelines
Eligibility
Auditions are open to all current MYSP Youth Symphony, Repertory Orchestra, and String Orchestra students.
Past winners of the MYSP Concerto Competition must wait at least one complete season before re-auditioning. Musicians cannot audition on a piece they previously used for this competition.
Audition Requirements
An accompanist is required. For scheduling purposes, the accompanist's name MUST be recorded on the audition form. MYSP can connect students with professional accompanists if needed. Please note that MYSP does not cover accompanist fees.
Auditioning from memory is NOT required.
An emailed scan of your piano reduction with all measures numbered must be submitted along with your application.
Musicians will audition with one movement of their chosen concerto. If selected, the movement performed at audition is the movement that will be performed at the concert.
Approval & Fees
Applicants must have their concertos approved by Youth Symphony conductor Kyle Dickson by listing their concerto choice(s) in the registration form. We will notify students of their approval soon after receiving the application.
A $30.00 non-refundable audition fee must accompany your application.
Deadlines & Format
Approved application, fee, and music copies must be received by Saturday, December 20th, 2025.
Musicians must audition in person. No recordings or videos are accepted.
Accompanist Recommendations
It is the responsibility of each applicant to coordinate rehearsals with their accompanist. If you need pianist recommendations and contact information, please email executivedirector@myspmusic.org or operations@myspmusic.org.
Questions?
Contact us at:
executivedirector@myspmusic.org
operations@myspmusic.org
We look forward to hearing your incredible musicianship at this year's competition!
