As you read through this year’s application, please note:

• Music must be selected from the 2024 Approved Repertoire List.
• Select one concerto from the Strings Repertoire or one Concerto or one Solo from the Piano Repertoires (a movement of a sonata or portion of a suite).
• Performance time limit is 15 minutes.
• The application must be received via the application portal or by mail before the application deadline.

A total of $11,000.00 in cash prizes will be awarded.
First Prize in each division is $2,500.00 and a Symphony Concerto or Solo Performance Opportunity with the New Mexico Philharmonic.
Second prize in each division is $1,500.00.
Third prize in each division is $1,000.00.
Rising Star in each division is $500.00
Additional prizes may be available.

Competition Guidelines

Eligibility

• New Mexico resident or student attending a NM school.
• Applicant must be at least 10 years of age but no older than 21 as of the application deadline.
• Former first-place winners of the JMYAC are not eligible.

Application & Audition

• Completed application form with $50.00 entry fee, payable to JMYAC.
• Biographical profile (150-200 words) must be comprehensive and suitable for publication.
• Teacher recommendation.
• ONE movement of a concerto or solo piece with or without an accompanist selected from the attached 2024 approved repertoire list. It must be written originally for that instrument and be performed from memory at the competition, with piano accompaniment for concertos.
• Audition must include a segment of the selected concerto or solo from the 2024 repertoire list and may also include other compositions the applicant desires. Upload your audition with your application.
• A high-resolution head shot photograph in .jpg format. Your photograph will be used for print and social media. Cell phone and class pictures will not be accepted. Please upload your photo with your application.

Entry deadline for all materials is December 6, 2023.
All applicants will receive notification via e-mail by January 10, 2024.

Awards

• First- Second- and Third-Place cash awards will be given in each division.
• Additional awards may be available.

Judging

• A qualified committee will evaluate applications for acceptance into the competition.
• Evaluations are based on application, audition, applicant's biography and teacher recommendation.
• To avoid potential conflict, all competition judges are from outside New Mexico.
• Judges' decisions are final.
• Written comments from judges will be available to contestants.

Agreement

Applicants understand:

• A letter of acceptance will be e-mailed by January 10, 2024.
• One memorized movement of an approved standard repertoire concerto or solo is required.
• One unmarked score (no photocopy) must be provided for the judges. It will be returned to you at the conclusion of the competition.
• One photocopy of the score must be provided for the livestream production team. It will be destroyed after the competition.
• The highest quality performance is expected.
• First-place winners in each division must agree to perform at the Music Guild of New Mexico’s membership luncheon in Spring 2024 and with the New Mexico Philharmonic. All dates TBA.
• Winners must also be available for all New Mexico Philharmonic rehearsals for the winners’ concert. Dates TBA.
• Concert attire is required for the competition, awards ceremony, photographs and performance with the New Mexico Philharmonic.
  • Young women should wear a modest knee-length or longer dress with shoes that allow for comfortable use of the pedals. If your hair is long, please tie it off your face.
  • Young men should wear dress pants with a white dress shirt. A suit with tie is also acceptable.
• Applicant is responsible for all expenses and must provide own accompanist.
• Applicant must be available for photographs on the day of the competition, publicity appearances and interviews during the week of the competition.

Authorization

• Entry in this competition constitutes the contestant's authorization for authorized representatives of the Music Guild of New Mexico’s Jackie McGehee Young Artists’ Competition, the Music Guild of New Mexico, and the New Mexico Philharmonic to use his/her name, photographs, and biographical profile for promotion and publicity purposes in publications, websites, and social media as well authorize the broadcast of his/her live competition performance via YouTube Live and providing an on-demand recorded copy of his/her performance via The Jackie McGehee Young Artists' Competition YouTube channel.