OPUS NATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION
The OPUS National Music Competition awards 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes in each instrument and age category. In addition, Merit Prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the judges.
All prize winners will receive diplomas. Cash prizes will be awarded only to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners.Monetary prize amounts are based on the final prize pot and will be announced on our website.
Winners will be featured on our website and YouTube channel, and may also be included in press releases distributed to media outlets.
We hope to resume in-person National Finals in future years. At this time, the National round will be held online.
REQUIREMENTS
Students may submit a program consisting of at least 1 composition and no more than 3 compositions, provided the total performance time fits within the allotted time for their age category (please refer to the rules for category time limits).
All video performances must be recorded in one take. Multiple videos will not be accepted.
Students may use the same repertoire they performed for the State Competition; however, they may not submit the same video(s) used at the state level.
The OPUS Competition prefers YouTube links for video submissions.
JURY
The jury of the OPUS Competition is composed of world-renowned artists, including principal players and concertmasters of leading orchestras in the United States, Canada, and Europe, as well as university professors.
The official jury panel will be announced at the close of each application cycle.
CASH PRIZES & AWARDS
The OPUS National Music Competition awards prizes in each category at the discretion of the judges.
All prize winners will receive diplomas. Cash prizes will be awarded only to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners. Please check back for the final cash prize amounts.
All winners will be featured on our website and YouTube channel, and may also be included in press releases.
The 2026 OPUS Nationals had a prize fund of $6,150+. Funds are divided amongst all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners of each category.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the application deadline?
March 30 of each year.
How many people are on the jury?
The jury is made up of up to 4 renowned musicians, university professors, and arts leaders.
When will the results be posted?
All results will be announced by the end of the first week of May.
When will cash prizes and awards be shipped?
All awards are shipped 1-2 weeks after results are posted online.
Will all participants receive recognition?
Winners of the OPUS National Music Competition will receive recognition. Winners will also be featured on our website, YouTube channel, and press releases will be sent out to select media outlets.