Categories & Requirements
The Bach International Music Competition UK is open to every musician from all over the world in the classical categories of Piano, Strings, Voice, Winds, Brass, Conducting, Composition & Chamber Music, Music Video and Writings.
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Performers and Conductors: video required, old video accepted.
Composers: video or audio accepted, including MIDI files.
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The competition age is determined by the candidate's age or the average age of the group on the day of the application deadline.
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01. Prodigy (Age 7 and younger)
Free choice of 1 or more pieces.
Total duration: No more than 5 minutes.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, conductor, group
02. Junior (Age 8-10)
Free choice of 1 or more pieces.
Total duration: No more than 7 minutes.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, conductor, group
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03. Youth (Age 11-13)
Free choice of 1 or more pieces.
Total duration: No more than 10 minutes.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, conductor, group
04. Young Artist (Age 14-17)
Free choice of 1 or more pieces.
Total duration: No more than 12 minutes.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, conductor, group
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05. Advanced (Age 18-22)
Free choice of 1 or more pieces.
Total duration: No more than 15 minutes.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, conductor, group
06. Professional (No age limit)
Free choice of 1 or more pieces.
Total duration: No more than 20 minutes.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, conductor, group
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07. Baroque A (Under Age 17) / B (Over Age 17)
Free choice of 1 piece or 1 movement for each application.
Submission music must be written between 1600-1750.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, conductor, group
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08. Classical A (Under Age 17) / B (Over Age 17)
Free choice of 1 piece or 1 movement for each application.
Submission music must be written between 1750-1820.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, conductor, group
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09. Romantic A (Under Age 17) / B (Over Age 17)
Free choice of 1 piece or 1 movement for each application.
Submission music must be written between 1820-1910.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, conductor, group
10. Modern A (Under Age 17) / B (Over Age 17)
Free choice of 1 piece or 1 movement for each application.
Submission music must be written after 1910.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, conductor, group
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11. Original (Own) Composition
Free choice of 1 piece or 1 movement for each application.
Submission music written by the candidate.
Open to: Composer, video or audio accepted, including MIDI files.
*If multiple pieces are submitted in a single application, only the first work in order will be automatically taken into consideration.
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12. Duo Music
Free choice of 1 piece or 1 movement for each application.
Submission music written for duo, including piano 4 hands.
Open to: duo, composer, conductor
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13. Chamber Music
Free choice of 1 piece or 1 movement for each application.
Submission music written for chamber group.
Open to: chamber, composer, conductor
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14. National Music
Free choice of 1 piece or 1 movement for each application.
Submission music in national or world music style.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, conductor, group
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15. Concerto
Free choice of 1 piece or 1 movement for each application.
Submission music in concerto format.
Concerto can be accompanied by audio, piano or orchestra.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, conductor, group
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16. Sonata
Free choice of 1 piece of 1 movement for each application.
Submission music in sonata format.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, composer
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17. Etude
Free choice of 1 piece of 1 movement for each application.
Submission music in etude format.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, composer
18. Musical/Opera:
Free choice of 1 piece of 1 movement for each application.
Submission music in musical or opera style.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, conductor, group
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19. Film/Game Music
Free choice of 1 piece or 1 movement for each application.
Submission music written for films, TV shows or video games.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, conductor, group
*If multiple pieces are submitted in a single application, only the first work in order will be automatically taken into consideration.
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20. Orchestra
Free choice of one orchestra work.
Open to: orchestra, composer, conductor
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21. Innovative Writing
Free choice of 1 work only.
Submit only one work related to music creation, education, methodologies, performance techniques, or theoretical explorations, showcased through a preview or sample. Your submission can be a piece of writing, a publication excerpt, a section of a book, or a visual/audio presentation. Acceptable formats for submission include PDF, image, or video, capturing the essence and innovative aspects of your chosen work.
*For written submissions, provide a preview or sample limited to 1500 words. If the entire work is submitted, only the first 1500 words will be considered for review; For video submissions, the maximum duration is 20 minutes. Each application is restricted to submitting only one work, regardless of the submission format. If multiple works are submitted, only the first one received will be considered.
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22. Music Video
Free choice of 1 piece only.
Examples of music videos include, but are not limited to:
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An MV that presents your visual storytelling skills.
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A multi-track performance showcasing your exceptional talent.
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Your music performance synchronized with video footage featuring images, artwork, or illustrations created by you.
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Your music performance along with your imaginative video creations.
The Winners in this category will receive an additional Beeffie Art & Music Awards e-certificate, and will be listed on the Beeffie Creative Musical Artists page for the current year.
Open to: instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, conductor, group, or other roles that have contributed to the music video (e.g., recording engineer, producer, director, cinematographer, editor, choreographer, visual effects artist, animator, etc.)
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23. Conducting
Free choice of 1 piece or 1 movement for each application.
Open to: conductor
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24. Choir/Ensemble Music
Free choice of 1 piece or 1 movement for each application.
Submission music written for choir or ensemble.
Open to: choir, ensemble, composer, conductor
Requirements FAQ
Q: What style of music is required for this competition?
A: For performers, all musical styles are welcome across different age categories.
However, for period-specific categories such as Baroque, Classical, and Romantic, only pieces relevant to those eras are eligible
For composers, all styles of composition are accepted.
Q: Can I use the same piece/video to apply for multiple categories?
Yes. You can submit the same piece or video across multiple categories, as long as it meets the specific requirements of each category.
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Q: Can I have several pieces in one link? Can there be a gap between the pieces?
Yes, you can submit one link that contains several pieces, and pauses between them are permitted. This means if you wish to submit multiple short pieces, you may compile them into a single, longer video. For categories that accept multiple pieces, or if you've chosen to enter in multiple categories, you can send multiple links. Just separate each link with a comma (",") when filling out the online application form.
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Q: Can I play more instruments in one video?
A: You can only play one musical instrument for each application. An additional musical instrument will need to be submitted as another application.
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Q: How do I submit my video?
A: You can upload your video to Youtube, Vimeo, Youku, or any video platforms (as long as visitors can watch it), then submit the video link at the online application form. You can also submit the form first and leave the video link blank, send the link to us by email before the competition deadline.
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Q: Can I use Audio background for accompaniment if I can't find an accompanist?
A:​ Yes, you can use the audio background music for accompaniment.
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Q: As a composer, am I allowed to submit my work even if it's performed by others?
A: Yes, it is perfectly fine if your work is performed by other musicians. Submissions of soundtracks created with computer software are also accepted.
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Q: Can I play a single movement of a sonata?
A. Yes, you can play one or more movements.
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Q: Can I submit a longer video than the listed duration?
A: If you submit a longer video, only the first x (according to categories) minutes of it will be used for the competition.​
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Q: Do I need to show my hand in the video?
A: Instrumentalists should have their hands and face visible in the video, whereas for singers, performer's face should be visible. Continuous focus on the candidate is not necessary, and changing camera angles is acceptable, as long as it is clear to the viewer that the candidate is the one performing. This rule does not apply to composers.​​
Q: As a conductor, am I limited to submitting only videos of me conducting an orchestra?
A: Not at all. You are welcome to submit videos of you conducting in various settings, including choirs, small ensembles, or chamber music groups. The key is to showcase your conducting abilities, regardless of the ensemble size or type.
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Q: What are the key qualities and evaluation criteria that are valued in contestants?
1. Technique/Character/Rhythm/Maturity (Any of these applicable aspects): Depending on the candidate's specific major or instrument, evaluate the relevant aspects of the candidate's technique, maturity, musical character, and control of tempo and rhythm in their submissions.
2. Musicianship/Expressiveness/Presentation/Creativity (Any of these applicable aspects): Depending on the candidate's area of specialty, evaluate the relevant aspects of the candidate's musical interpretation skills, expressiveness, ability to engage and captivate the audience, and the creativity in their submissions. For information about our competition system and evaluation criteria, please click here to read.
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