International Clarinet Association (ICA) Junior Young Artist Competition — ClarinetFest2026, Inchoen, Korea
- Izumi Fujiyama
- Oct 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Ready to challenge the ICA Junior Young Artist Competition?
The ICA Junior Young Artist Competition 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for young clarinetists to showcase their talent at ClarinetFest in Incheon, Korea. This comprehensive guide covers all competition requirements, repertoire options, and deadlines. Discover how Fujiyama Clarinet Studio's specialized coaching program can help you prepare and succeed.
If you advance to the finals, you will perform at ClarinetFest 2026 hosted by the International Clarinet Association in Incheon, South Korea.
Official details
For the ICA’s full English guidelines, see the official page
Eligibility: 18 years old or younger as of 2026-06-30
Application deadline: 2026-04-01
Competition Rules
Entry fee: USD 35. ICA membership is required for all applicants.
Recording: Submit a high-quality video that includes all required repertoire in the announced order. Only the audio will be used during judging.
Repertoire
Choose one of the following solo works:
Miklós Rózsa — Sonatina for Clarinet Solo, Op. 27 (First movement only) (Publisher: Rongwen Music)
Astor Piazzolla — Tango Etude No. 3 for B-flat Clarinet (Publisher: Henry Lemoine)
And
Jeanine Rueff — Clarinet Concertino, Op. 15 (Publisher: Alphonse Leduc)
I love when they categorize by each competitions!
Documents
Proof of age: copy of passport or birth certificate
Statement signed by the applicant and (if applicable) teacher confirming the recording is the applicant’s unedited performance
Judging
Preliminary round by recording. Finalists will be selected by the committee.
Notifications sent on 2026-05-01.
Finals at ClarinetFest 2026, July 7–11, Incheon, South Korea. ClarinetFest participation fee is waived for finalists. All travel and visa arrangements are the applicant’s responsibility.
A pianist will be provided in the final. Memorization is not required.
Prizes
First Prize: USD 1,000 + a professional model clarinet (manufacturer TBA)
Second Prize: USD 750
Third Prize: USD 500
Special Coaching at Fujiyama Clarinet Studio
ClarinetFest 2026 will be in Korea, very close to us in Japan. I encourage everyone to seize this opportunity and try an international clarinet competition! We are opening a dedicated ICA-focused coaching program at Fujiyama Clarinet Studio, based in Yanai, Yamaguchi, Japan. If you plan to enter, please get in touch. Even if you don’t enter the competition, you are still welcome to set a period to work on the repertoire intensively for your personal achievement.
How to apply for the Special Coaching
To ensure sufficient preparation time, please apply earliest possible. If you already study with a teacher, please obtain their approval first.
Support we provide
Sheet music order
Lessons in-person or online
Video review and advice
English communication with organizers, application submission, result follow-up for those who need English assistance
Supervised recording session available
Administrative support for travel arrangements
Suggested Timeline
Oct–Nov: Application, score acquisition, begin lessons
March: Recording
April: Submit application and recording
May: Results
July: Travel to ClarinetFest
ClarinetFest 2026, Inchoen, South Korea
Please check their official site for more upcoming event for the ClarinetFest 2026!
Ready?
Ready to get started with the International Clarinet Association Junior Young Artist Competition for ClarinetFest 2026 in Incheon, Korea? Book a free consult to plan your repertoire (Jeanine Rueff Concertino, Miklós Rózsa Sonatina, Piazzolla Tango Etude No. 3), recording strategy, and audition video guidelines. Get clarinet coaching in Japan or online with Fujiyama Clarinet Studio in Yanai, Yamaguchi.
First, feel free to book an online consultation.