2nd Annual Solo FunFest
We are pleased to announce that the IMA will be hosting the Solo FunFest in the summer.
The FunFest provides:
1. A performance/contest alternative, open to students of all ages to be evaluated individually, receive feedback, and earn a certificate.
2. The opportunity for students to perform the music that they enjoy (music does not have to be on the IMA required lists).
Students of all ages can participate in any category while performing music of their choice! You can enter as many categories as you like!
All video entries will be evaluated and certificates will be awarded.
Solo FunFest Rules
All video submissions must be received between July 1 – 15, 2026.
Results will be given to your instructors by August 17.
Entry Fee: $30
- Eligibility: Open to students of all ages
- Submission Format: This is a video submission “solo” festival (you are only being critiqued on your performance). Performances must be recorded and submitted as video files or as a YouTube link.
Instrument Categories: (solos only, no duets or ensembles)
- Piano/ Keyboard
- Guitar (Acoustic or electric)
- Ukulele
- Vocals (Pre-recorded accompaniments or live accompanists are acceptable)
- Drums (Acoustic or electric)
- Accordion
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Self-accompaniment
- Vocals with any instrument
- No prerecorded accompaniment
- Music Choice: Participants may choose any piece of music they like—classical, pop, jazz, rock, folk, etc. (Music does not need to come from the IMA required/suggested lists)
- Memorization is not required
- Accompaniment: Accompaniment (live or backing track) is optional for all entries except self-accompaniment.
- Editing: No video or audio editing is allowed within the performance. The video must be one continuous take.
- Quality: Videos should be clear and stable, with good audio quality. You don’t need professional equipment—a phone camera is fine!
- Angle: Ensure the performer and their instrument are fully visible (refer to video examples at the bottom)
- Introduction: Start your video by stating your first name, age, instrument, and name of your piece.
- Video Submission Method: Submit your video using our online registration form (The video can be uploaded, or you can send a link to your YouTube video.)
- Sheet Music Submission Method: Submit your sheet music using our online registration form (The sheet music must be in .pdf format and must be from the original music – not a copy.) Measures should be numbered. Pre-numbered measures by the publisher is acceptable, as is numbering the first measure of each line.
- Each student may enter in as many categories as they like, however each song/piece must be registered on a separate registration form. (Each registration can only be used for one entry.)
- By submitting a video, participants (or their parents/guardians) give permission for the video to be used in FunFest promotions.