Nurturing Global Talent — From Tokyo to the World

Solo Recital at Ongaku no Tomo Hall
Salon Concert Performance at Rion Music Academy Hall
A Rare Privilege: Loan of a Historical Masterpiece — 1842 Andrea Postacchini Violin
Each first prize winner will receive a bow inscribed with their name.

More Than a Competition
— A Stepping Stone to Your Child’s Brighter Future.

Overview

Schedule

Application Period
July 1 – September 15, 2025
First Round (Video Submission)
Deadline – September 15
Second Round (Live Audition)
October 11, 2025 @Rion Music Academy, Daikanyama Main Campus
Final Round
December 14, 2025 @Hakuju Hall (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

Entries for 2025 are now closed.

NEWS

Our Philosophy

Nurturing the Heart and Future Through Music
The Tokyo Children’s Violin Competition is more than a contest of technical skill. It is an open stage for all children to grow through music — nurturing experience, expression, global perspective, and a deep respect for their instruments.

Awards & Special Prizes

Awards
  • st Prize (per category): Certificate + Commemorative Trophy
  • 2nd Prize (per category): Certificate + Commemorative Plaque
  • 3rd Prize (per category): Certificate + Commemorative Medal
Special Prizes

Music Plaza Award

Awarded to the 1st Prize winners of each category.
Customized bow engraved with recipient’s name
Bow size may be selected according to the winner’s preference

Historic Violin Loan

・A rare Andrea Postacchini violin (made in 1842)
Size: 3/4 – Ideal for children in the growth stage
→ A professional-grade instrument that significantly enhances tone and expressive range

・Salon Concert Performance at Rion Music Academy Hall
→ A valuable opportunity to refine performance skills through live experience in a real concert setting

・Solo Concert Appearance at Ongaku no Tomo Hall
→ Step onto a professional stage with world-class acoustics — a powerful step forward for aspiring young musicians

Features & Highlights

【1】Gain Real-World Experience – A True Stage for Young Performers
  • Solo performance opportunities in professional concert halls
  • Loan program for fractional-size historical instruments
  • An unforgettable stage experience that inspires future growth
【2】Grow Continuously – A “Map of Growth” for Every Step
  • Receive written feedback to track personal progress over time
  • A welcoming structure that encourages second and third challenges
  • A competition designed not for exclusion, but for development
【3】Think Globally – Evaluation With an International Perspective
  • Optional English-language evaluations available
  • Judging criteria aligned with global music education standards
  • Encouraging a mindset that extends beyond borders
【4】Respect Instruments and Culture – Supported by Music Plaza, Specialist in String Instruments
  • Instrument loan and care workshops to learn proper maintenance
  • Hands-on encounters with the people who support the music world
  • Learn the values of respect, craftsmanship, and musical heritage

Eligibility & Entry Information

Divisions
  • Preschool Division: Ages 3 and above, not yet enrolled in elementary school
  • Elementary Division (Grades 1–2)
  • Elementary Division (Grades 3–4)
  • Elementary Division (Grades 5–6)
  • Junior High Division
Participation Fees
  • First Round (Video Submission): ¥8,000
  • Second Round (Live Audition at Rion Music Academy): ¥15,000
  • Final Round (Live Performance at Hakuju Hall): ¥25,000
Accompanists
  • For the Second and Final Rounds, participants must arrange their own accompanist if the chosen piece requires one.
  • If a page-turner is needed for the accompanist, please make your own arrangements.
  • If necessary, the competition office can introduce a professional accompanist upon request.

First Round – Video Submission Guidelines

Submission Content

Please submit a video recording that includes both a self-introduction and a performance of a piece of your choice.

Video Requirements
  • At the beginning of the video, introduce yourself by stating your name, title of the piece, and the composer in either Japanese or English (approx. 15–30 seconds).
  • After the introduction, perform one free-choice piece.
  • The total length of the video should not exceed 5 minutes.
Important Notes
  • Performances must be memorized.
  • Please include piano accompaniment, unless the selected piece is originally written for solo violin.
  • Smartphone recordings are accepted.
    • Use a fixed-position camera.
    • Ensure the full body of the performer is clearly visible in the frame.

Second Round – Assigned Repertoire (by Age Group)

For the Second Round, participants (except for the Preschool and Elementary Grades 3–4 divisions) are required to perform two contrasting pieces by composers from different musical periods:

  • Piece A: From the Baroque or Classical era
  • Piece B: From the Romantic or Modern era

Participants are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the stylistic characteristics of each period and reflect them through tone, expression, and interpretation.

Preschool Division

Please select and perform one piece from the following list:

  • Minuet (J.S. Bach)
  • Minuet (Beethoven)
  • Minuet (Boccherini)
  • Humoresque (Dvořák)
  • The Two Grenadiers (Schumann)
  • Hunters’ Chorus (Weber)
  • Waltz (Brahms)
  • Romance (Rieding)

※ For Bach’s Minuet, participants may choose No. 1, No. 2, or No. 3.
※ For Beethoven’s Minuet, participants may choose either G Major or C Major.

Elementary Division (Grades 1–2)

Participants must perform two contrasting pieces, one from each group below:

A. One Minuet – Choose from the following composers:

  • J.S. Bach – Minuet No. , No. 2, or No. 3
  • Beethoven – Minuet in G Major or C Major
  • Boccherini – Minuet

B. One piece from the list below:

  • Humoresque (Dvořák)
  • The Two Grenadiers (Schumann)
  • Hunters’ Chorus (Weber)
  • Waltz (Brahms)
  • Romance (Rieding)
Elementary Division (Grades 3–4)

Assigned Repertoire:
Select one sonata from Handel’s Violin Sonatas No.1–6, and perform both the 1st and 2nd movements.

Examples:

  • Sonata No.1 in G Major
  • Sonata No.4 in D Major (1st & 2nd movements)
Elementary Division (Grades 5–6)

A. Veracini – Violin Sonata in E Minor: 1st movement

B. One piece of your choice from Fritz Kreisler’s short works

Junior High Division

A. Select one of the following:

1. Mozart – Rondo in C Major, K.373
2. Beethoven – Romance No. 1 in G Major, Op.40

B. One piece of your choice from Fritz Kreisler’s short works

Final Round – Assigned Repertoire (by Age Group)

Preschool Division

Free Choice Piece
• Perform any piece of your choice within 5 minutes.

Elementary Division (Grades 1–2)

One Movement from a Violin Concerto by Seitz
• Select one movement from any of Seitz’s violin concertos.

Examples:

  • Concerto No.1 – 1st movement
  • Concerto No.2 – 3rd movement
Elementary Division (Grades 3–4)

One Movement from a Violin Concerto by Vivaldi or J.S. Bach
• Choose one movement from a violin concerto by either composer.

Examples:

  • Vivaldi – Violin Concerto in A Minor, 1st movement
  • J.S. Bach – Violin Concerto in E Major, 3rd movement
Elementary Division (Grades 5–6)

One Movement from a Violin Concerto
• Select and perform one movement from any violin concerto by the following composers:

  • Beriot
  • Viotti
  • Haydn
  • Mozart
Junior High Division

One Movement from a Romantic or Modern Violin Concerto
• Select and perform one movement from any violin concerto by the following composers:

  • Mendelssohn
  • Bruch
  • Saint-Saëns
  • Vieuxtemps
  • Lalo
  • Wieniawski

Important Notes

  • All pieces must be performed from memory.
  • Performances must include piano accompaniment.
  • If the piano accompaniment contains long introductions or interludes, they may be shortened appropriately as long as the musical flow is not disrupted.
  • If you choose a work that includes a cadenza, the cadenza must also be performed.
  • If you are using a self-composed cadenza, please submit the sheet music in advance to the competition office.

Jury Panel

【Chief Judge】
Fuminori Shinozaki – Violinist
【Judges】
Kumio Horiuchi – President, Ongaku no Tomo Sha Corp.
Rio Yamase – Director, Rion Music Academy
Teruhiko Ikegami – Senior Media Producer, The Nikkei
Yoshimichi Okuda – Music Critic
【Special Guest Judges】
Preliminary Round:
Gérard Poulet – Violinist
Final Round:
Hitomi Nanami – Violinist
Judge Profile

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is it okay to participate even if this is my first competition?

    Absolutely! First-time participants are warmly welcomed.
    This competition is designed to be friendly and supportive, especially for children making their debut. We carefully consider performance time limits and the atmosphere of each venue to ensure a positive experience.

    The First Round is video-based, allowing children to record their performance in a familiar environment such as at home or in their classroom.

    As part of our commitment to supporting “first stage” performers, we also offer optional written feedback from the jury to encourage learning and growth.

  2. How should I arrange for a piano accompanist?

    Participants are generally expected to arrange their own accompanist. If this is difficult, the competition office can introduce a professional accompanist for a fee (please note that availability is limited).

    A grand piano is provided at the Final Round venue.

  3. Can I use a smartphone to record the video for the First Round?

    Yes, absolutely.
    Video recordings for the First Round may be made using a smartphone or similar device. There are no specific requirements for sound or video quality, but we recommend:
    • A clear angle that captures the performer’s full body, and
    • A quiet environment where the sound can be heard clearly.
    ※ Please use landscape (horizontal) orientation when filming with a smartphone.

  4. How will results and announcements be communicated?

    Results for each round will be communicated as follows:

    • First & Second Round: Notifications will be sent via your registered email or LINE account.
    • Final Round Contestants: A list of selected participants will be posted on the official website.
    • Prize Winners: Results will be announced at the venue on the day of the Final, and later published on the website.

  5. How is this competition different from others?

    This competition values not only technical skill, but also the performer’s attitude toward music and the joy of musical expression.
    We emphasize educational value through collaborations such as:
    • The Global Children’s Music Academy, which fosters international perspective through music
    • Partnerships with Music Plaza, a specialist string instrument store, promoting access to high-quality instruments and awareness of their care and preservation
    Special prizes such as loans of historical instruments and solo performance opportunities are also offered to support each child’s musical journey beyond the competition.

  6. Can I perform the same piece in the Preliminary/Second Round and the Final Round?

    Yes, performing the same piece in both rounds is permitted.
    However, please note that in the Final Round, the jury will be looking for deeper expression and greater musical maturity. We encourage participants to refine and elevate their interpretation for the final performance.

Additional Information & Updates
All important announcements—including changes, updates, or reminders—will be shared via email, LINE, and the official website. Please ensure that you provide a valid email address or LINE contact at the time of application. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us anytime through our [Contact Form].

Contact Form