Timeline (updated 03/15/2023):
- Monday, April 10th — Applications Open
- Friday, September 1st by 11:59 PM – Application Due
- Accepted applicants will be invited to a perform live during the weekend of October 13th-15th, 2023.
- The remaining timeline information is TBD for 2023 and will be released shortly.
Application Fee: $100
Video Audition:
Must be submitted via YouTube URL at the time of the online application. A panel of judges will watch all videos submitted. Please see below for specific video requirements.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be appropriate age by the date of the competition, October 1st, 2023.
Junior Division Instrumental Students Ages 13-16
Senior Division Instrumental Students Ages 17-22
One Category:
Strings
Complete list of instruments invited to participate: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Classical Guitar, Harp.
Audition Pieces:
Applicants must submit an application and an audition video recording with a minimum of three contrasting pieces from classical repertoire.
Optional: To compete for the new additional Scott Sullivan Prize, one of the selections must be from classical repertoire composed after 1950.
No repertoire substitutions will be allowed once applications are submitted
Video Requirements:
Combined audition videos must be a minimum of 15 minutes and up to a maximum of 30 minutes (Junior Division) and 45 minutes (Senior Division) in length. Although submissions longer than this will be accepted, judges will only listen to the maximum time allotted in each division.
Combined video submissions shorter than the minimum 15-minute time limit will be automatically disqualified.
Videos must have been recorded within the last year, after March 1st, 2022. Video footage submitted must be continuous (one-take) and unedited with a stationary camera angle.
The selections submitted in the audition video must be the same piece(s) performed if the applicant is selected for the live performance round. No repertoire substitutions will be allowed once applications are submitted. Memorization is not required for the audition video or live performance rounds.
It is strongly suggested that the selection(s) be recorded at the highest-quality possible and that it is reviewed BEFORE submitting. Poor recording quality (e.g. background noise, echo, out of tune piano) detracts from the adjudicators’ ability to appreciate and score the performance. If there are any questions concerning selection, format, or performance, please email for clarification before preparing the video. Technical difficulties are not the responsibility of the Ronald Sachs International Music Competition (RSIMC).
Finals:
Junior Division:
Accepted Applicants will be invited to Wilmington, NC for one round of live competition. Up to three prize winners: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes will be awarded for the Junior Division.
Applicants will be notified of their advancement well in advance of the final round. Finalists are required to have a parent or guardian accompany them to the final round.
The finalists will be allowed to perform their audition pieces up to the maximum allotted time during a live performance round the weekend of October 13th-15th, 2023.
Up to ten (10) finalists will be selected to perform their chose repertoire in a public recital. In the event that a sufficient number of qualified applicants is not met or if there is an unexpectedly high number of qualified applicants from one category, the judges reserve the right to alter the number of finalists.
Senior Division:
Accepted applicants will be invited to Wilmington, NC for the final round. Applicants will be notified of their advancement well in advance of the finals. Finalists are required to have a parent or guardian accompany them to the final round if they are under 18 years of age.
The finalists will be allowed to perform their audition pieces up to the maximum allotted time during a live performance round the weekend of October 13th-15th, 2023.
Up to eight (8) finalists will be selected to perform their chosen repertoire in a public recital. In the event that a sufficient number of qualified applicants is not met or if there is an unexpectedly high number of qualified applicants from one category, the judges reserve the right to alter the number of finalists.
Live Performance:
These auditions may be broadcast to the public through video streaming. Applicants may bring their own accompanist or use the RSIMC-provided professional accompanist. Should finalists choose to use the RSIMC accompanist, there will be a flat fee of $100 paid directly to the accompanist on or before the final round. This fee includes 30 minutes of rehearsal and the finals performance. Should the finalist desire extra rehearsal time with the accompanist, he/she is required to pay him/her at their requested rate.
Prizes:
Junior Division:
1st Prize: $3,000
2nd Prize: $2,000
3rd Prize: $1,000
Senior Division:
1st Prize: $5,000
2nd Prize: $3,000
3rd Prize: $1,000
Scott Sullivan Prize:
$500 prize, one winner from each division.
Awarded to best performance of the Post-1950 piece.
An international jury panel of judges evaluate the performances. Any or all of the prizes will be awarded at the discretion of the panel. Judges reserve the right to not award prizes.
Other Benefits:
Concert at Beckwith Recital Hall on the campus of UNC Wilmington, preferably during RSIMC 2024, schedule permitting.
Application Details: (Updated 03/15/2023)
Online applications must be submitted by September 1st at 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time). No extensions will be granted. Apply online at https://ronaldsachsimc.com/apply-now/
Before beginning the online application, be prepared to provide the following:
- All required contact/personal information and audition information.
- A credit card or debit card number to pay the $100.00 application fee.
- A working URL for YouTube audition video upload.
YouTube Video Uploads:
All video auditions must be submitted through YouTube. No other formats will be accepted. Applicant must first upload their video directly to YouTube through their personal YouTube account, which they may create for free using a valid email address.
Video Formatting:
Applicant’s full name must be in the video’s title along with instrument. The name of the selected piece must appear on the video’s description, including composer and movement, if applicable. Videos must be set to “Public” or “Unlisted” in order to be viewed by the RSIMC judges. Once the video is uploaded to YouTube, copy and paste the video’s URL into the online application in the appropriate field. When the application is received, the video may be added to a YouTube playlist for the RSIMC.
Media Release:
All materials submitted during the application process become property of the Ronald Sachs International Music Competition. Materials including photos, audio, and video recordings will be used for evaluating auditions and for advertising and publicity purposes including: print and digital advertising, website links, and social media.
More Information:
If you have any questions, please email Danijela Zezelj-Gualdi, Ronald Sachs International Music Competition Artistic Director at: apply@ronaldsachsimc.com