Introduction
Welcome to the Festival de Musique Pour Les Candidats Handicapés, an inclusive competition designed to showcase the musical talents of candidates with disabilities from around the world. This competition is open to all ages, nationalities, and instruments, with no restrictions on genre or style. We believe that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to showcase their skills and talents, and this competition is our way of ensuring that candidates with disabilities have a platform to do so. We are proud to offer cash prizes, and there are no entry fees for any participant. Join us in celebrating the diversity and richness of the musical community and help us empower candidates with disabilities to reach their full potential.
Schedule
July 5th, 2023- Registration
- Registration deadline for this competition is July 5th, 2023
July 22nd-25th, 2023- Live Monitored Recording
- For Participants who choose Live Monitored Recording format.
July 30th 2023- Online
- For Participants who choose Video Submission Format
August 5th-6th, 2023- Live In-Person
- For Participants who choose Live In-Person format
August 6th, 2023-Winners’ Concert and Awards Ceremony
- The Winners’ Concert and Awards Ceremony will be held in Munson Hall at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California.
August 19th-20th, 2023 – Special Award Winners’ Concert
- The Special Award Winners’ Concert will be held at Soka Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo, California.
Rules and Regulations
Divisions
There are a total of 17 divisions. Divisions 1-13 are based upon the contestant’s birth year:
| Division | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| Year Born | 2017 or later | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Divisions 14-17 have no age limit and are as follows:
- Division 14 • Amateur • Non-Music degree holder who works in a non-music related field.
- Division 15 • Collegiate • Holds a bachelor’s degree or is studying towards one.
- Division 16 • Master • Holds a master’s degree or is studying towards one.
- Division 17 • Professional • Holds a DMA degree, is studying towards one.
Composition
- Open Choice
- One piece is required for Novice, Standard and Expert Levels
- Two pieces are required for Virtuoso Level
Classical Music Category
Open Choice
- There are 4 levels of difficulty: Novice (Beginner), Standard (Intermediate), Expert (Early Advanced – Advanced), and Virtuoso (Highly Competitive).
- Collegiate, Master and Professional divisions may only compete at the Expert or Virtuoso levels.
Novice provides a unique platform for beginner students to experience competition in an easy and friendly environment, helping them prepare for higher levels. Students can participate in Novice multiple times until they feel confident and ready to advance to Standard, which serves as the first step in competitions.
Standard level builds upon the foundation laid in Novice, providing a comfortable transition for students to further explore their musical abilities. While it offers a higher level of challenge, it maintains a supportive and encouraging environment, ensuring that students feel at ease as they take the next step in their musical journey. Standard level strikes a balance between nurturing growth and introducing new elements, allowing participants to continue honing their skills with confidence and enthusiasm.
Expert level serves as an exciting progression from Standard, offering participants the chance to further refine their skills and showcase their growing talent. While it presents a higher level of challenge, Expert level maintains a supportive and encouraging environment, empowering students to push their boundaries and explore new musical horizons. This level is designed for dedicated and passionate individuals who are ready to take their musical abilities to the next level. It provides a platform for participants to demonstrate their exceptional talent and prepares them for more advanced opportunities in the future.
The Virtuoso level is designed for highly competitive participants who are prepared to showcase their exceptional skills. This level requires participants to perform two pieces, demonstrating their mastery and artistry in a challenging competition setting.
For Virtuoso level participants, in addition to the cash prize, there is an exclusive opportunity to perform at renowned concert halls around the world. This level is specifically designed for highly accomplished musicians who are ready to showcase their exceptional talent on a global stage. By performing at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and Sydney Opera House, participants gain recognition and exposure in the music industry, further enhancing their musical journey and career prospects.
Popular Music Category
Open Choice
Format
- Online(video submission), In Person at Azusa Pacific University, and Live Monitored Recording
- In person Final: August 5th and 6th
Awards
- Winners will receive Cash Prizes & Scholarships (Total over $20,000)
- All winners will receive medals and certificates.
- 1st-5th place winners in the Novice, Standard and Expert levels will be awarded medals and certificates.
- 1st-4th place winners in the Virtuoso level will be awarded medals and certificates.
- All 1st place winners will be invited to perform at the Winners’ Concert and Awards Ceremony on August 6th, 2023 at Munson Hall, Azusa Pacific University.
- Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st place winners in the Virtuosic Level
| Division | 1-5 | 6-10 | 11-14 | 15-17 | Grand Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Prize | $100 | $150 | $200 | $250 | $500 |
Grand Prize winners of each division will receive $500 and have a chance to perform at Soka Performing Arts Center in August of 2023, as well as receiving a master class featuring world renowned musicians.