Application
- Please visit event registration in order to register for the Disability Music Festival.
Introduction
Welcome to the Music Festival for Musicians with Disabilities, 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
Online
- Online Video Submission Format
- Registration Deadline – November 15th, 2025
- Online Competition – November 15th, 2025
Southern California
- Live In-Person Format
- Registration Deadline – November 5th, 2025
- Live In-Person Competition – November 23rd, 2025
- Location: Azusa Pacific University-901 E Alosta Ave, Azusa, CA 91702
Texas
- Live In-Person Format
- Registration Deadline – November 1st, 2025
- Live In-Person Competition – November 22nd, 2025
Awards Ceremony & Winners’ Concert
- Information regarding the Awards Ceremony and Winners’ Concert will be posted at a later date.
Rules and Regulations
Groups
There are a total of 17 groups. Groups 1-13 are based upon the contestant’s birth year:
| Group | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| Year Born | 2019 or later | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 |
Groups 14-17 have no age limit and are as follows:
- Group 14 • Amateur • Non-Music degree holder who works in a non-music related field.
- Group 15 • Collegiate • Holds a bachelor’s degree or is studying towards one.
- Group 16 • Master • Holds a master’s degree or is studying towards one.
- Group 17 • Professional • Holds a DMA degree, is studying towards one.
Difficulty Levels
- There are 4 levels of difficulty: Novice (Beginner), Standard (Intermediate), Expert (Early Advanced – Advanced), and Virtuoso (Highly Competitive).
- Collegiate, Master and Professional group 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.
Composition
- One piece is required for Novice, Standard and Expert Levels
- Two pieces are required for Virtuoso Level
Divisions
- You may choose from either Solo for Classical music, or Popular for Popular Music.
Format
- Online (video submission) or Live In-Person at Azusa Pacific University
Awards
The Overall Grand Prize: A Fully Funded Performance Trip
The Overall Grand Prize winner will receive an all-expenses-paid performance trip. This exclusive award includes a round-trip flight and two nights of accommodation for an unforgettable opportunity to perform at either Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York or a renowned concert hall in Europe. This prize is designed to offer a truly exceptional and once-in-a-lifetime experience for a standout performer.
Virtuoso Level Cash Prizes
The top performers in the Virtuoso Level will be awarded cash prizes. The first-place winner will receive $150, the second-place winner will be awarded $75, and the third-place winner will receive $50. These cash prizes are a direct recognition of the exceptional talent and dedication demonstrated by the highest-scoring participants in this advanced category.
IAPMT Concert Performance Award Vouchers
An Award Voucher is a non-cash prize that can be redeemed toward fees for concert tours or performances at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
Top Score 1st Place Vouchers:
- Novice: $50
- Standard: $75
- Expert: $100
- Virtuoso: $200
Grand Prize Vouchers:
- Novice: $150
- Standard: $200
- Expert: $250
- Virtuoso: $400
OpusOne Scholarships
An OpusOne Scholarship is a non-cash prize that can be redeemed towards registration fees for the OpusOne International Music Festival in 2026.
Top Score 1st Place Scholarships:
- Novice: $100
- Standard: $150
- Expert: $200
- Virtuoso: $300
Grand Prize Scholarships:
- Novice: $200
- Standard: $300
- Expert: $400
- Virtuoso: $500
General Awards
- 🥇E-Certificates: Awarded to first through fifth place winners in the Novice, Standard, and Expert levels, and to first through fourth place winners in the Virtuoso level.
Performance Opportunities
Carnegie Hall Performances: 🎻
- January 17, 2026: First-place winners from the Novice and Standard levels will be invited to perform at the Weill Recital Hall.
- January 18, 2026: First and second-place winners from the Expert and Virtuoso levels will be invited to perform at the Weill Recital Hall.
International Concert Tours: ✈️
- IAPMT Asia and Europe Tours (June 17–July 2 and July 28–August 6, 2026): First and second-place winners will have the opportunity to perform during these 7-10 day tours.
- Concerto Division Winners: Selected winners will also get a chance to perform on the Europe or Asia tours and receive a coaching session with the orchestra’s conductor.
Special Recognition
Gala Concert Awards: 🏆
- Virtuoso Level: Participants will receive a trophy and a certificate.
- Novice, Standard, and Expert Levels: Participants will receive a medal and a certificate.
IAPMT Young Kawai Artist:
- The selected grand prize winners will be recognized with this prestigious title.
Kawai Medallion Teacher:
- Teachers of the selected grand prize winners will be honored with this distinction.
Important Notes
- A performance fee will be required for contestants invited to perform in Asia, Europe, and New York.
- A shipping charge for medals may apply to certain regions and countries.
