Question 1

Important Notice

Accepted Answer

This competition is exclusively open to seasonal performer winners with 6+ Award Points.
No jury comments are provided during this annual event.
Videos that do not meet the Annual Requirements will not be accepted.
Semi-finalist and finalist videos are open to the public for Fans' Favorite award voting. Finalists' videos are featured in the Final Round program and streamed on our website and YouTube channel.

Question 2

How can I qualify to participate in the 'Musician of the Year' annual competition?

Accepted Answer

Musician of the Year is an annual online competition that takes place every April and requires qualification for participation. There are no additional application fees, and the competition consists of multiple rounds. Seasonal winners can gain entry by redeeming 6 award points (these 6 points will still be calculated for the World Top 50 Musicians ranking).

Question 3

How does the 'Musician of the Year' competition work?

Accepted Answer

'Musician of the Year' consists of multiple rounds, each using the same submitted video, and the video receives a score in each round. All instruments/vocals compete in a single category. Candidates scoring over 70 out of 100 in the first round qualify for the semi-finals. Those within the Top 60 scores in the semi-finals proceed to the finals. The final score is the sum of the semi-final and final round scores. In case of a tie, final rankings are determined by audience vote scores. Please read the full annual competition rules here.

Question 4

Can I use old performance videos for the 'Musician of the Year' competition?

Accepted Answer

No, this is not permitted. Candidates must clearly state 'London Young Musician 2025' at the beginning of their performance to ensure that the recording was specifically made for this competition. This announcement must be included within the same take as the performance. For more details, please refer to the complete Video Requirements here.

Question 5

Are the categories in 'Musician of the Year' the same as those in the seasonal competitions?

Accepted Answer

No, 'Musician of the Year' is exclusively for performer candidates and features three age-related categories where all instruments/vocals compete together in each category. You can find complete category details here.

Question 6

Can I apply to more than one category?

Accepted Answer

No, each candidate is restricted to entering only one category.

Question 7

Can I submit separate videos for different pieces for 'Musician of the Year'?

Accepted Answer

No, each candidate can only submit one video for the chosen category, and the video must adhere to the category's specified time limit.

Question 8

Can I play multiple instruments/vocals in one video?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you're performing a different instrument in each piece, please remember to make a declaration at the beginning of each performance. This is to ensure that all your performances were newly recorded and specifically made for the year-end competition.

Question 9

Can I play multiple pieces in one video?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you're performing a different piece, please remember to make a declaration at the beginning of each performance. This is to ensure that all your performances were newly recorded and specifically made for the year-end competition.

Question 10

What is the time limit for the competition video?

Accepted Answer

Free choice of piece(s) within the total time restriction:
Master Category (age 28 & under) - within 10mins
Artist Category (age 15 & under) - within 8 mins 
Talent Category (age 10 & under) - within 5 mins

Question 11

I'm currently preparing to participate in the Season 4 competition, but I haven't competed in previous seasons before. Will I still have a chance to enter 'Musician of the Year' in April?

Accepted Answer

Of course, you can! Here's a 3-step guide: Step 1 - Apply for the Season 4 Competition using the videos you already have. Step 2 - Record a new video for 'Musician of the Year' in advance. Step 3 - Submit your annual competition video before April 1st once you confirm that you have earned enough points from Season 4.

Question 12

Do I get a certification if I don't receive any award in the annual competition?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all candidates of 'Musician of the Year' will receive an e-certificate and a special Musician of the Year Star e-card. Please note that no jury comments are provided in this annual competition.

Question 13

When will the annual results be announced?

Accepted Answer

Both 'Musician of the Year' and 'World Top 50 Musicians' results will be announced 1-2 days after the final round streaming program.

Question 14

What criteria are used for judging 'Musician of the Year'?

Accepted Answer

Musician of the Year' looks for musicians with excellent musical skills, strong character, and fantastic creativity in their video performance. Judges will score the performance video based on the following aspects: 1) fluency and accuracy, 2) character and expressiveness, 3) performing technique, and 4) creativity and stage presentation.

Question 15

Are the annual competition awards free?

Accepted Answer

For 'Musician of the Year,' Grand First Prize, Grand Second Prize, and Grand Third Prize awards will be provided to the winners at no charge (one set per winner). The Fans' Favourite Award winner or winning group will receive a complimentary teddy bear. Paper certificates and medals for all other awards are available for purchase at additional cost. Please check the full list of annual awards here.