1st Annual Sonata/Sonatina Solo Competition
The Illinois Music Association is thrilled to announce the launch of our first-ever Sonata/Sonatina Solo Competition, a virtual event open to piano and string performers. This competition is designed to promote excellence in performance, encourage artistic growth, and foster a deeper understanding of the sonata and sonatina repertoire.
Each entrant is invited to submit one movement from a sonata or sonatina. Submissions of multiple movements will be considered as separate entries. All performances will be evaluated by one of our qualified judges, and participants will be eligible to receive a
Ist Place Gold, 2nd Place Silver, 3rd Place Bronze, or Participation Award
based on the artistic and technical merit of their performance. Every participant will also receive a certificate of recognition from the IMA.
Registration/ Video submission period: October 13 – December 1
Deadline: December 1 Results will be given to your instructors by January 15. The fee for each entry is $35.Sonata/Sonatina Rules
- Open to all piano and string performers.
- Participants must submit one movement from a sonata or sonatina of their choice.
- Submissions including multiple movements will be considered as separate entries.
- All performances must be solo and performed by the entrant only.
- This is a video submission “solo” competition (you are not being judged against other performers – only on your performance).
- Music Choice: Participants must choose an appropriate movement from a Sonatina or Sonata.
- Instrument Categories: (solos only, no duets or ensembles)
- Piano/ Keyboard
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Memorization is required
- 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. (see below)
- Introduction: Start your video by stating your first name, age, instrument, and name of your piece (include Op. No. and the movement)
- Video Submission: 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: 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 must be numbered. Pre-numbered measures by the publisher is acceptable, as is numbering the first measure of each line.
- Each student may enter as many movements as they like, however, the additional movements will be considered separate entries requiring a separate entry fee. each movement must be registered on a separate registration form. (Each registration can only be used for one entry.)
- When submitting your video, participants will be asked to grant or deny permission for the video to be used in any IMA promotions. This decision has no effect on the contestant’s evaluation and award.
Average scores across adjudicators will determine the final award level:
- 1st Place Gold Award: 95–100
- 2nd Place Silver Award: 87–94
- 3rd Place Bronze Award: 80–86
- Participation Award: 79–below
All participants will receive the appropriate award based on their score:
- A certificate of recognition
- A written adjudication report summarizing judges’ feedback