Competitive Pathway Guidelines
The Metropolitan Music Showcase Competition is a national online classical music competition for Canadian musicians aged 21 and under, offering professional adjudication, recognition, awards and scholarships.
How the Competition Works
Round 1: National Video Audition
Entry Fee: $70 CAD
Competitors submit two contrasting selections:
- One movement or work from the Baroque or Classical era
- One contrasting work from a different musical era or style
Each submission is evaluated by an adjudicator specializing in the participant’s instrument or discipline and includes written feedback.
Selected musicians advance to the National Online Final.
Round 2: National Online Final
Finalist Fee: $90 CAD
Finalists perform new repertoire not submitted in Round 1.
For solo finalists, a concerto movement is encouraged where appropriate, although it is not mandatory.
Chamber Music finalists perform one movement of a substantial chamber work.
Final performances are evaluated by a panel of three adjudicators and includes written feedback.
Age Categories
11 years old & under
Young Artist
12 to 16 years old
Emerging Talent
17 to 21 years old
Advanced Performer
*The participant(s) must be within the age of the category they are entering by December 31, 2026. For chamber groups, choose the age category that reflects the eldest member of the group. Proof of age is required with the registration form.
Accepted Instruments:
Piano | Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass) | Chamber groups (with piano and/or strings)
Professional Adjudication
Performances are evaluated across:
Technical Proficiency • Musical Interpretation • Tone / Sound • Accuracy / Rhythm / Intonation • Musical Expression • Performance Communication • Artistic Challenge • Preparation
85/100 will be used as an initial Round 1 advancement benchmark. This is a guideline rather than an automatic qualification threshold.
Awards and Scholarships
Outstanding musicianship, artistic potential and achievement will be recognized through awards, scholarships and other opportunities.
Grand Prize recognition may be awarded in Piano, Strings and Chamber Music within each of the three age divisions, creating the opportunity for up to nine Grand Prize awards.
Recording and Submission Requirements
- Each selection must be recorded as one continuous, unedited performance.
- Recordings must be no more than six months old.
- Live accompaniment is required where applicable; prerecorded accompaniment is not permitted.
Key Dates
January 31, 2027
Registration and Round 1 video submissions
February 2027
Round 1 adjudication
Early March, 2027
Round 2 (Final) competitors announced
April 15, 2027
Registration and Round 2 video submissions
May 2027
Round 2 adjudication
June 2027
Scholarships, awards, and certificates presented
Before you register:
Please review the full 2026/27 Rules & Regulations before registering or submitting your performance.