Junior RIAM Competitions

Junior Solo Competition (13 December 2022)

(Dublin Philharmonic Prize in memory of Vincent O’Neill)

The Dublin Philharmonic Society is a voluntary non-profit making society established in 1985 by Vincent O'Neill and a group of like-minded, music-loving friends to give talented young musicians the valuable opportunity to perform to a live audience and to develop their presentation skills.

Prize: €600, a public recital presented by the Dublin Philharmonic Society in memory of Vincent O’Neill, and the possibility of a solo performance with the RIAM Intermediate Orchestra, subject to suitability of repertoire.

Eligibility: Students 18 and under (or under 20 for singers) on 1 November 2022

Application Deadline: Tuesday, 1 November 2022, 5.00 pm. Unlisted YouTube link to Preliminary Round video submission must be provided on the application form. 

Final: Tuesday, 13 December 2022 at 7.00 pm in RIAM

Preliminary Round Requirements: Video Recording submitted by Applicant by Monday, 1 November 2022 at 5.00 pm.  Competitors are required to perform a movement from a concerto/work written for solo instrument/voice and orchestra.  A RIAM accompanist is available for Preliminary Round recordings and competitors should email dearbhlabrosnan@riam.ie if they would like to avail of this.

Final: A shortlisted group of competitors will perform the same movement from a concerto/work written for solo instrument/voice and orchestra with piano accompaniment in the Final.  

You can apply using the application form link below. You must have your teacher's approval before making an application. 

Application Form

Video Submission Guidance

Videos must be uploaded to YouTube as an 'Unlisted' video (further details below) and the link must be included in the application form where advised.

Further Information on making your recorded video submission

Please find information on how to make a YouTube video at www.wikihow.com/Upload-a-Video-to-YouTube. 

Recommended settings for YouTube

In the video's settings tick the 'Unlisted' option in the Privacy section. This will allow only those with a direct link to the video to view it. The video will not appear in search results or on your YouTube channel (if you have one). Do not tick the ‘Private’ option as this may prevent us from viewing the video during the assessment process. Please ensure all links are active and viewable to people who have access to the direct link.

Ursula Uí Chuinneagain Bursary for Pianists - 16 December 2022

Sponsored by her son, Luke Ó Cuinneagáin, this exciting bursary for aspiring young pianists recognises Ursula Uí Chuinneagáin’s contribution to the music world in Ireland and her long-standing association with the RIAM.   The bursary recognises that unswerving encouragement, support and sponsorship are critical factors when nurturing key young talent in pursuit of excellence.

Prize: €2,000, a perpetual trophy and an engagement at the RIAM.

Eligibility: Open to all secondary school piano students attending the RIAM

Application Deadline: Tuesday, 1 November 2022, 5.00 pm 

Semi-Final- and Final: Friday 16 December 2022

All applicants will be required to perform a minimum of two own-choice pieces, of contrasting style up to a maximum of 12 minutes for the Semi-Final Round.

Finalists will be required to perform a 20-minute programme to include the pieces performed in the Semi-Final Round. The choice of programme will be taken into consideration by the adjudication panel.  It is also recommended that the performance for both rounds should be from memory. 

Applicant will be required to submit a proposal on how he/she will spend the bursary fund if successful in advance of the Semi-Final Round.

You can apply using the application form link below. You must have your teacher's approval before making an application. 

Application Form

John Pollard Competition for Young String Players  (21 February 2023)

The John Pollard Competition for Young String Players is designed to identify, assist, and further develop young string players who demonstrate exceptional performance potential and innate musicianship. Prize winners receive a bursary of €2,000 to afford them the opportunity of world-class specialist support, both at home and abroad.  

Prizes:  

John Pollard Award: Awarded to an outstanding violinist or violist

€2,000 bursary 

Stephen Vernon Award : Awarded to an outstanding cellist or double bass player

€2,000 bursary 

Eligibility: Junior RIAM violinists, violists, cellists and double bass players currently studying at secondary school. Previous winners are not eligible to compete.   

Application Deadline: Monday, 30 January 2023

Preliminary Round and Final: Tuesday 21 February 2023

Preliminary Round Requirements: Competitors should prepare an 8-10 minute programme.  A RIAM accompanist is available for Preliminary Round and Final.

Final: Finalists selected from the Preliminary Round will be required to perform a free-choice 15-17 minute programme in the Final. Repertoire performed in the Preliminary Round can be repeated in the Final. 

You can apply using the application form link below. You must have your teacher's approval before making an application.

Application Form

RIAM PianoFest (13-17 February 2023)

A week-long feast of piano playing at the RIAM as students compete in numerous competitions across all ages and repertoire.

Closing date for registrations: Applications close on Tuesday 3 January 2023 at 4pm and application can be made through the applications page here

Parents / Teachers

Please note that you must provide the name and age of the student / competitor when registering. 

SENIOR COMPETITIONS 

Margaret O’Hea Recital Cup (17 years and over on 1 January 2023)

Own choice recital of not more than 20 minutes duration.

Audrey Chisholm Sonata Cup (17 years and over on 1 January 2023)

Own choice sonata of not more than 25 minutes duration. If preliminary rounds are required, maximum playing time will be 8 minutes per competitor.

INTERMEDIATE COMPETITIONS 

Dorothy Stokes Rosebowl (14 to under 17 years on 1 January 2023)

One own choice piece of not more than 6 minutes duration from one of the following stylistic periods: Baroque; Classical; Romantic; Impressionist; Twentieth Century; Contemporary. Rosebowl and runner-up prizes will be awarded to the competitors with the overall highest marks. Within each stylistic category, a First Prize will be awarded to the competitor with the highest mark.

Gillian Smith Recital Cup (14 to under 17 years on 1 January 2023)

Own choice recital of not more than 15 minutes duration.

JUNIOR COMPETITIONS

Margaret Furlong Recital Cup (11 to under 14 years on 1 January 2023)

Own choice recital of not more than 12 minutes duration.

Valerie Walker Rosebowl (11 to under 14 years on 1 January 2023)

One own choice piece of not more than 4 minutes duration from one of the following stylistic periods: Baroque; Classical; Romantic; Impressionist; Twentieth Century; Contemporary. Rosebowl and runner-up prizes will be awarded to the competitors with the overall highest marks. Within each stylistic category, a First Prize will be awarded to the competitor with the highest mark.

MINOR COMPETITIONS

Joe Byrne Cup (9 to under 11 years 1 January 2023)

Own choice recital of not more than 9 minutes duration.

Sheila Rumbold Cup (under 9 years on 1 January 2023)

Two contrasting pieces of own choice totalling no more than 5 minutes duration.