Young Musician Competition – Nairn

Are you a young musician aged 8-18? This is your chance to take the spotlight in an exciting new competition!

We're looking for the brightest local talent to compete in our Young Musician Competition, which will culminate in a live final on the opening day of the 2025 Nairn Book & Arts Festival.

Free to enter and in partnership with the Rotary Club of Nairn, this competition gives young performers the chance to showcase their skills, whether they play classical, folk, jazz, or contemporary music.

Categories:
• Junior – Primary school-aged musicians (lower age limit of being 8 years old on 30 August)
• Senior – High school-aged musicians (upper age limit of being 18 years old on 30 August)

Dates:
• First Round: Judged privately at a venue in Nairn on Saturday 28 June
• Final Round: Live public performance & final judging at the 2025 Nairn Book & Arts Festival on Saturday 30 August

Prizes for the winners of both categories will include:
• A cash prize
• An invitation to perform at the Rotary Charity Concert on 22nd November at the Nairn Community and Arts Centre
• A feature interview in The Nairnshire Community Newspaper
• All finalists will also be given free tickets to attend a special Festival performance on the evening of the final

Nairn is home to many talented young musicians and this competition is your opportunity to take the stage and shine. Don’t miss out - enter today!

PLEASE READ THE FAQS BELOW TO FIND OUT MORE BEFORE DOWNLOADING YOUR ENTRY FORM. 

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS 31 MAY 2025. 

EMAIL YOUR APPLICATION TO NAIRNFESTIVALASSISTANT@GMAIL.COM

FAQs

ELIGIBILITY:

Who can enter the competition?
The competition is open to young musicians aged 8 to 18.

What if I'm turning 8 after the first round on 28 June?
You can enter the junior category of the competition if you are 8 years old by 30 August. Likewise, you can enter the senior category of the competition if you are still 18 years old on 30 August.

Which instruments are eligible?
The competition is for solo instrumental and solo vocal.  

Can I enter an ensemble? 
This competition is for solo performers only; ensembles are not eligible.

Do I need to have reached a certain standard of performance to apply? 
There is no specific performance standard required to apply.

Which genres of music are included in the criteria?
All genres of music are welcome.

Is there a time limit?
Yes, you may play multiple pieces but your total performance time must not exceed six minutes.

Do I need to live in Nairn to participate? 
Participants do not need to live in Nairn but must be available for for the first round which will take place at a venue in Nairn on Saturday 28 June and, if successful, the final judging event at the Festival's main venue, Nairn Community and Arts Centre, on Saturday 30th August.

APPLICATION & REGISTRATION:

How do I apply?
Application forms can be downloaded at www.nairnfestival.co.uk/about/young-musician-competition and hard copies will be available from Nairn Community and Arts Centre. Please send your completed form via email to nairnfestivalassistant@gmail.com. 

Is there an entry fee?
No, the competition is free to enter.

What is the deadline for applications?
The application deadline is 31 May 2025.

AUDITIONS:

When and where will the first round of judging take place?
The first round of judging for successful applicants will take place on Saturday 28 June at a venue in Nairn. Details will be shared with successful applicants in due course.

When will I find out if I have been selected for the first round of judging?
We will contact you to let you know as soon as possible after the entry deadline. 

Can I bring my own accompanist?
Yes, instrumental and vocal participants may bring their own accompanist. Please note that the competition will not provide an accompanist.

Will a piano be available?
A piano will be available for use at both venues.

Can I bring a PA system and/or microphone?
Yes you can bring your own (please note the competition will not provide these) but you must be able to set up and operate these independently.

Do I need to bring copies of my music for the judges to look at?
Yes, please bring copies for the judges to review. We will send a reminder closer to the event. 

Do I need to play from memory?
No

Can I use a backing track?
No

What happens if I am successful in the first round of judging in June?
Winners will be invited to perform at the Nairn Book & Arts Festival for the final round of judging which will take the form of a public performance on Saturday 30 August at Nairn Community and Arts Centre.

Can I play the same music I played in the first round in the final round? Competitors can perform the same pieces/songs in both rounds of the competition if they'd like to.

Will the final round at the Nairn Book & Arts Festival be open to the public? Can my friends and family attend?
Yes, it will be open to the public. 

JUDGING:

Who will judge the competition?
The judging panel will include experienced musicians and industry professionals. Their names will be announced in due course. 

Will I receive feedback from the judges?
Participants will receive constructive feedback after their performances at both the first round of judging and at the final. 

CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING:

What measures are in place to ensure child safety?
The event will adhere to child protection guidelines. The first round of judging and the final festival showcase will have children’s parents/carers present and will also be supervised by DBS/PVG-checked staff. No child will be left unsupervised. 

Can parents/guardians attend the performances?
Yes, parents or guardians are asked to accompany participants to the venue.

DATA PROTECTION & PRIVACY:

How will my personal information be used?
Personal information provided during registration (such as name, age, and contact details) will be used solely for the purpose of organising the competition. 

Will my personal information be shared with anyone?
No, your information will not be shared with third parties outside of the event organisers, except with your explicit consent.

Are photos or videos of participants taken during the event?
Photos and videos may be taken during the performances for promotional purposes (e.g., on social media or in festival materials). However, consent for this will be requested in your entry form. You can opt out if you’d prefer.

How is my data stored and protected?
We comply with all relevant data protection laws, including GDPR.

Can I request that my data be deleted?
Yes, you can request the deletion of your personal data after the event by contacting nairnfestivalassistant@gmail.com. 

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What should I wear for the audition?
There is no formal dress code, but participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes suitable for a performance.

What happens if I’m unable to attend the audition?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer alternative audition dates. Please ensure you are available on the specified dates.

How will I be informed about the results?
Results will be communicated in person immediately after both rounds. 

Who can I contact for further questions?
For more information, please email nairnfestivalassistant@gmail.com.