Organized by the Japan Clarinet Association, the 14th Young Clarinetist Competition has been announced.
Announcing competition information for clarinet players from elementary through high school, up to age 20.
Applications will be accepted from July, with preliminary rounds taking place at the end of August.
The competition is divided into three age-based divisions: Junior A Division, Junior B Division, and Young Artist Division.
The preliminary rounds for the Junior divisions will be conducted through video submissions, making it easier for participants from distant locations to enter. However, preparation for video submissions should begin early. Results of the Junior division video screening will be announced on August 1.
Since the competition is open to all nationalities, we encourage you to apply regardless of where you are located!
If you need help with submitting the application fee or form, please feel free to contact me.
【Organizer】Japan Clarinet Association (official site here -jp only)
【Sponsors】Ishimori Wind Instruments Co., Ltd. / The Clarinet Shop / Nonaka Trading Co., Ltd. / Buffet Crampon Japan Co., Ltd. / Yamaha Music Japan Co., Ltd.
◆Purpose
This competition aims to promote the development of rich musicality and performance skills among young clarinet enthusiasts and to nurture musicians who will lead the next generation
◆Application Period
Sunday, July 6, 2025 - Sunday, July 20, 2025 (Deadline)*jp time
◆Preliminary and Final Round Dates & Venue
Preliminary Round: Monday, August 25 - Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Final Round: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Venue: Parthenon Tama Small Hall
◆Eligibility Requirements
Junior A Division ................... Age 13 and under as of April 1, 2025
Junior B Division ................... Age 17 and under as of April 1, 2025
Young Artist Division .............. Age 20 and under as of April 1, 2025
Those eligible for Junior A Division may also enter Junior B Division and Young Artist Division
Those eligible for Junior B Division may also enter Young Artist Division
Open to all nationalities
◆Entry Fees
■Junior A Division ………………… 10,000 yen (2,000 yen for Japan Clarinet Association members)
■Junior B Division ………………… 15,000 yen (7,000 yen for Japan Clarinet Association members)
■Young Artist Division …… 23,000 yen (15,000 yen for Japan Clarinet Association members)
※Prior membership registration is required for member pricing (must be a member as of July 1, 2025)
＜Payment Method for Entry Fee＞
(This is not foreigner friendly, so I suggest to contact them first and ask if any transaction such as paypal available. Otherwise, let me know.)
◆Required Pieces
■Junior A Division (Age 13 and under as of April 1, 2025)
*【Preliminary Round】Unaccompanied: Choose one piece from J. Lancelot/25 Etudes No.15, No.20, or No.22 Video submission
【Final Round】Free choice: Published original clarinet works (cuts allowed, approximately 6 minutes)
■Junior B Division (Age 17 and under as of April 1, 2025) *【Preliminary Round】Unaccompanied E. Cavallini/30 Capricci No.19 Video submission 【Final Round】With accompaniment Choose one piece from the following
a) R. Hahn／Sarabande et Thème varié
b) G. Grovlez／Sarabande et Allegro
c) J. Semler-Collery／Rêverie et Scherzo
d) F.Gaubert／Fantaisie
e) Max d’Ollone／Fantaisie orientale
f) M. Dautremer／Recit Impromptu
■Young Artist Division (For those age 20 and under as of April 1, 2025)
*【First Preliminary Round】Choose one piece from B. Kovacs/Hommages Must use the instrument specified in the score
【Second Preliminary Round】With accompaniment Choose one piece from the following
a) E. Chausson／Andante et Allegro
b) A. Bernstein／Sonata
c) B. Martinů／Sonatina
d) D. Milhaud／Sonatina
【Final Round】With accompaniment. Cuts in the accompaniment part allowed. Will be specified at the preliminary round.
L. Spohr／Concerto No.1
◆Judging
The final round for all divisions will be open to the public
Only the Young Artist Division will have a second preliminary round (open to the public)
The performance order will be determined by the Japan Clarinet Association
◆Important Notes for Participants
Participants will be notified of their preliminary round date and time around August 1
All expenses including travel, accommodation, and other costs must be borne by the participants
Participants must arrive at the venue's "Registration Desk" at their designated time and follow staff instructions
Late arrivals may be considered as withdrawals. If delays are unavoidable due to transportation issues, promptly contact the Association office
If withdrawal becomes necessary, promptly notify the Association office
Piano tuning pitch will be set at A=442Hz
◆Accompanists
For finalists in the Junior A Division only, the Japan Clarinet Association can provide pianists upon request. Those who wish to use this service should indicate "Pianist requested" in the "Pianist Name" field of the application form. However, rehearsals with the pianist will only be available on Wednesday, August 27 (the day before)
For Junior B Division and Young Artist Division, participants must arrange and bring their own accompanists
Any changes in accompanists must be reported to the administrative office
For online lessons -