Australian Music Prize

ABOUT

This prize will be awarded to the best performance of an Australian work.

Sponsored by Yamaha Music Australia.

AWARD

The final round winner(s) will be deemed the recipient(s) of the “2026 Australian Classical Music Prize for Best Performance of Australian work” as well as awarded $1000 prize money.

ELIGIBILITY

The 2026 Australian Classical Music Prize is open to all Undergraduate and Honours classical music students of the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The competition will be held in two stages: preliminary round and the final round.

Candidates are invited to perform an Australian work (up to/around 8 minutes) for solo or chamber ensemble, or a short program of Australian works (up to/around 8 minutes) for solo or chamber ensemble.

The preliminary round will be held via video submissions. Preliminary round video submissions are due Sunday of week 5 (05/04). Preliminary round recordings can be unaccompanied.

A small number of students will be chosen to proceed to the final round and present their repertoire at the lunchtime concert in week 6 (16/04).

All students participating in this competition must be available for all rounds for which they have been selected.

Multiple entries are accepted.

Past winners are not eligible.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The entry form must be completed and submitted by Sunday of week 4 (29/03).

IMPORTANT DATES

Applications due - entry form: Sunday of week 4 (29/03) 
Applications due - video submissions: Sunday of week 5 (05/04) 
Notification of winner:  Lunchtime concert in week 6 (16/04).

INQUIRIES

Dr Anna McMichael, anna.mcmichael@monash.edu