Application

February-November, 2025 in New York, USA.
In 2025, Gershwin Music Competition teams up with the Vertex Competition (Europe) to give talents around the world to perform with orchestras.
Please read all rules and guidelines below carefully before you apply.
Eligibility
2025 Vertex Concerto Competition is open for Piano, Strings, Winds, Brass, Harp, Guitar, Percussion and Voice.
Dates
Age categories
Concert Artists (18-40); Young Artists (13-17); Talent Show (8-12 year old).
Age category for the Vertex Concerto Competition only: 8 to 40 years old.
Age categories for Chamber Ensembles:
Concert Artists (18-43 - average age: 30); Young Artists (13-17 - average age: 15);
Application fees
Application fee for Trios: $150; Quartets - $175; Ensembles with 5 or more participants - $250.
Application fee for the Vertex Concerto Competition - $125 USA
Application deadlines
Application deadline for Piano, Chamber Ensembles, and Vertex Concerto Competition via Online Recording - May 15, 2025.
Prizes
How to Apply
713 Regent drive, Westbury NY 11590 USA
Application process
All applicants must submit:
- Completed application form
- NON-REFUNDABLE application fee ($100 USA, different fees for Chamber Ensembles of 3 or more people and Vertex Competition).
- Online recording links - please see the instructions below.
- Supporting materials:
- Current biography
- One (1) photograph (headshot) for promotional use
- Proof of age (photocopy of birth certificate, driver's license, passport, etc.)
Preliminary Round
Option 1: Live Audition Pre-Selection
18-40 years old: 2 pieces of contrasting styles not to exceed 15 minutes.
13-17 years old: 2 pieces of contrasting styles not to exceed 10 minutes.
8-12 years old: 1-2 short pieces of contrasting styles not to exceed 7 minutes.
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
18-40 years old: 2 pieces of contrasting styles not to exceed 15 minutes.
13-17 years old: 2 pieces of contrasting styles not to exceed 10 minutes.
VERTEX CONCERTO COMPETITION
8-40 years old: 2 pieces of contrasting styles.
Time limit: 15 minutes maximum
A movement from a concerto is a plus, but not required.
Option 2: Video Recording Pre-Selection
Recording formats
A physical DVD (mailed to our address) OR any Internet video recording (such as Youtube, Vimeo, Google Drive, etc.)
Recordings can be submitted as a single link, or as several links from different concerts or events
(recordings from other competitions are welcomed and acceptable).
Recording date(s): any recordings submitted must be recorded within the last 5 years (2020-onward).
Recording round - repertoire and timing:
PIANO
Please submit 1-5 recordings of contrasting styles.
The recordings can be solo playing, or as soloist with orchestra.
Any time limit is acceptable.
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
Please submit 1-5 chamber music recordings of contrasting styles.
Any time limit is acceptable.
VERTEX CONCERTO COMPETITION
Please submit 1-5 chamber music recordings of contrasting styles.
Any time limit is acceptable.
Concerto performance is a plus, but not required.