What is Crescendo Competition?

A professionally judged competition that gives serious young musicians a performance platform while directly expanding access to music education for underserved students.

First place winners in each category will be invited to perform in a curated debut concert at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, on January 17 at 1:00 PM.

Presented by DFW Institute of Musical Advancement (DIMA Texas)
Benefiting Inspired Sounds – Global Access to Music Education

Age Divisions and Instruments

Junior Division: 7–9

Intermediate Division: 10–12

Advanced Division: 13–16

Instruments

  • Solo Piano

  • Guitar (Classical or Acoustic)

  • Voice

  • Violin

  • Cello

Awards

Awards given to First, Second, Third per category:

  • First Place - invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall, waived participation fee of $280, certificate

  • Second Place - $150, certificate

  • Third Place - $100, certificate

Prizes

  • Cash awards/scholarships

  • Professional performance opportunity at Carnegie Hall

  • Media spotlight through DIMA Texas

  • Certificate noting benefit to Inspired Sounds

$150 registration fee per participants

  • The participation fee includes:

  • Live performance in a professionally run competition

  • Adjudication by established artists and educators

  • Written evaluative feedback

  • Eligibility for category awards and Carnegie Hall debut invitation

  • Certificate of participation

  • Support of Inspired Sounds and access to music education initiatives

  • Limited need based participation scholarships are available.

A portion of all competition proceeds directly supports Inspired Sounds, expanding access to high-quality music education for students in underserved communities.

Sponsorship Packages
Handbook

FAQ

Is this a competitive or educational event?

Both. CRESCENDO is designed as a serious competition with professional standards, while also providing meaningful feedback and growth opportunities for young musicians.

How are winners selected?

Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges using a standardized rubric evaluating technique, musicality, interpretation, and stage presence, with age appropriate expectations.

How many winners are selected?

First, second, and third place winners are selected in each instrument and age division. 

What does “Carnegie Hall debut opportunity” mean?

First Place winners will be invited to perform in a curated debut concert at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall on January 17 at 1:00 PM, presented by DIMA Texas. Participation is subject to repertoire approval and program requirements.

Is there an additional fee for the Carnegie Hall performance?

Yes. Participants who accept the Carnegie Hall performance invitation will be assessed a $280 participation fee.

This fee helps cover:

  • Venue and production costs

  • Required insurance and administrative expenses

  • Artist coordination and concert logistics

This fee applies only to invited performers and is separate from the competition participation fee.

When is the Carnegie Hall participation fee due?

The Carnegie Hall participation fee will be communicated and collected after competition results are announced, only from invited participants.

Does the Carnegie Hall fee include travel or lodging?

No. Travel, lodging, and personal expenses are the responsibility of the participant and family.

Can a winner decline the Carnegie Hall invitation?

Yes. Participation in the Carnegie Hall performance is optional. Declining the invitation does not affect the competition award.

How does this competition support Inspired Sounds?

A portion of all competition proceeds directly supports Inspired Sounds, expanding access to high quality music education for students in underserved communities.

Is this competition affiliated with Carnegie Hall?

The competition is presented by DIMA Texas. Carnegie Hall is the performance venue for the invited winners’ concert.