Aurea
Music Prize
A transparent online music prize for soloists, composers, duos, ensembles and amateur musicians of all ages. Applications are open now and close on August 31, 2026.
A serious stage begins before the stage: with a clear submission, a fair review and a real artistic standard.
Free Entry
€2,000
Aug 31
Classical · Jazz · Composition · Amateur Open
A prize for musicians who refuse to stay unseen.
Applications are open now. Submit your preliminary application for free before August 31, 2026.
The Preliminary Round is absolutely free. Selected finalists who are invited and wish to proceed to the Final Round will then complete a secure checkout for the Final Round administrative fee.
Aurea Manifesto
Not another online certificate mill.
Aurea is designed to feel open, but not cheap; selective, but not obscure; international, but still human.
For performers
Your recording is not a file. It is a first impression.
Video submission, clear categories, public results.
For composers
A score is a stage before the stage exists.
Submit PDF score, audio mockup, and programme note.
For amateurs
Serious does not mean professional only.
A dedicated category for non-professional musicians of all ages.
Editorial standard
A prize should not feel like a lottery.
Aurea is built for musicians who want a clear path: free application, visible criteria, finalist invitation, then checkout only if selected.
Development after the prize, not empty hype.
Selected profiles may receive practical post-prize support: booking assistance, improved presentation materials and guidance on how to position themselves for future opportunities.
Transparent follow-up, not inflated promises.
Concert opportunities may be defined later for the musicians who impress most, always subject to artistic suitability, partner availability and separate agreements.
Soloists, composers, duos, ensembles and amateurs.
The competition is open to all ages and all instruments, with dedicated categories to avoid mixing professional and amateur profiles in a careless way.
Free Preliminary Round
Enter first. Pay only if selected.
The first step is deliberately open: submit your application without paying. The checkout appears only later, for finalists invited to confirm the Final Round.
Free application
Submit video, score or portfolio.
Selection email
Finalists receive a private invitation.
Secure checkout
Only invited finalists who wish to proceed pay the Final Round fee.
How It Works
A simple funnel, built to make the free entry model obvious from the first click.
1. Apply Free
Submit your application form and video links for the Preliminary Round. There is absolutely no application fee to enter.
2. Initial Review
Preliminary submissions are screened for eligibility, clarity of materials and artistic potential.
3. Invitation
Selected candidates receive an official invitation via email to participate in the Final Round of the competition.
4. Secure Checkout
Invited finalists who wish to proceed complete a secure payment for the Final Round administrative fee. Payment is required only if you advance.
5. Final Evaluation
Final Round submissions are evaluated according to published criteria. Jury names are not displayed publicly in this first edition.
6. Results & Awards
Winners are announced publicly. E-certificates are issued, and a total prize fund of €2,000 is awarded according to the official prize structure.
2026 Categories
Open to all nationalities and ages. To keep the evaluation fair, applicants are considered within their selected category and age division where applicable.
Classical Performance
For soloists and ensembles. Piano, strings, winds, brass, voice, and chamber music. Evaluated on technical proficiency and artistic interpretation.
Junior / Open DivisionsJazz Performance
For jazz soloists, combos, and contemporary instrumentalists. Evaluated on improvisation, groove, and stylistic authenticity.
Junior / Open DivisionsComposition
Submit original scores (with audio/MIDI mockups). Open to various styles including classical, film scoring, and contemporary art music.
Junior / Open DivisionsAmateur Open
A dedicated category for non-professional musicians of all ages, instruments and backgrounds.
Separate Amateur TrackFair evaluation
Age Divisions
Aurea remains open to musicians of all ages, but younger applicants are not placed carelessly against adult performers. Age divisions keep the evaluation serious, readable and fair.
Under 18
For young musicians, with parent or legal guardian authorization where required.
18+
For adult applicants in Classical Performance, Jazz Performance and Composition.
Separate Track
For non-professional musicians, evaluated independently from professional/open applicants.
Evaluation Criteria
Detailed guidelines for how each category is assessed.
Classical Performance
Evaluated on technical mastery, intonation, tone quality, rhythmic precision, musicality, phrasing, style, and overall artistic presentation.
Jazz Performance
Evaluated on improvisational skill, rhythmic feel, stylistic interpretation, interactive listening (for ensembles), and individual creative expression.
Composition
Evaluated on originality, thematic development, structural integrity, orchestration/arrangement, and emotional impact of the submitted score and mockup.
Amateur Open
Evaluated on overall musical enjoyment, expressive communication, dedication to the craft, and the personal connection to the repertoire presented.
Evaluation Panel
Evaluation panels, not empty name-dropping.
For the first edition, Aurea does not use individual jury names as a marketing device. Final Round submissions are assessed by qualified musicians, educators and industry professionals according to the published criteria.
Classical Panel
Performance, style, technique, interpretation.
Jazz Panel
Language, rhythm, sound, improvisation.
Composition Panel
Form, originality, notation, feasibility.
Amateur Open Panel
Expression, commitment, communication.
Awards & Opportunities
Aurea keeps the offer concrete: a €2,000 prize fund, category distinctions and selected development opportunities for the profiles that stand out most. The goal is not to sell a fantasy career, but to offer useful next steps.
€2,000 Prize Fund
A total prize fund of €2,000 will be distributed across the Absolute Prize, category distinctions and selected special mentions according to the final results.
Open Division Development Package (18+)
For selected standout musicians in the Open Division, Aurea may offer booking assistance for up to 6 months, support on presentation materials, possible concert opportunities, and agency guidance for developing a stronger artist brand identity.
Professional Video Recording Opportunities
Some of the most convincing profiles may be considered for professional video production or live-session style recording opportunities, subject to suitability, scheduling and separate agreement.
Junior Division Recognition
Junior applicants are evaluated separately. Aurea will assign Junior distinctions, certificates and selected young-talent spotlights designed to reward musical promise without forcing direct comparison with adult applicants.
Prize Structure & Fees
Classical Performance, Jazz Performance and Composition applicants are evaluated in the Open Division and may be considered for the full adult development package where appropriate.
Junior applicants compete in a separate division with dedicated distinctions and a more development-oriented recognition structure.
Preliminary Round
Apply and submit your materials at absolutely no cost.
Step 2: Final Round (Invited Only)
Selected finalists receive a private payment link by email only after the preliminary review.
Payment is requested only after selection for the Final Round. It confirms participation in the Final Round but does not guarantee any prize, ranking or future opportunity.
Transparency First
Rules, not mystery.
The competition is built around a clear free-entry model, category-specific evaluation and careful wording around awards and concert opportunities.
Eligibility
Open to musicians of all ages and nationalities. Applicants under 18 must submit authorization from a parent or legal guardian.
Free Preliminary Round
No payment is required to submit the first application. Only selected finalists who choose to proceed pay the Final Round administrative fee.
Refund Policy
Final Round administrative fees are non-refundable once payment is completed, except where required by applicable law.
Awards
The €2,000 prize fund and category distinctions are awarded according to published evaluation criteria. Payment never guarantees a ranking or prize.
Booking Assistance & Concert Opportunities
The musicians who stand out most may receive booking assistance for up to 6 months, including guidance, materials review and support in identifying suitable concert opportunities. Additional concert opportunities may be defined later with partners, venues and separate agreements.
Privacy
Application data is used to manage submissions, communication, evaluation and payment administration. The Privacy Policy is available for applicants and finalists.
View Privacy Policy2026 Timeline
Applications Open Now
Free Preliminary Deadline
Finalist Invitations
Final Round Confirmation
Final Jury Evaluation
Winners Announcement
Booking Assistance & Concert Planning
Questions before applying
FAQ
The structure is simple: free preliminary application, selected finalists, then a private Final Round payment link sent only to invited applicants.
Is the Preliminary Round really free?
Yes. No payment is required when submitting the first application through the online form.
How do the age divisions work?
Aurea has no age limits, but applicants are evaluated by division. Junior Division is for applicants under 18, Open Division is for adults, and Amateur Open is assessed as a separate track.
When do I pay?
Only selected finalists who choose to proceed to the Final Round receive a private payment link by email.
Can ensembles apply?
Yes. Duos and ensembles with 2 or more instruments or voices may apply through the dedicated application type.
Are all prizes guaranteed?
No. The €2,000 prize fund is part of the official prize structure. Development opportunities such as booking assistance, video production, branding support and concert opportunities are considered for selected profiles and always depend on suitability, timing and separate agreement.
Can children apply?
Yes. Applicants under 18 may apply with parent or legal guardian authorization and are reviewed in the Junior Division.
Will jury names be published?
Aurea focuses first on clear criteria and coherent panels. The first edition does not rely on name-dropping as a marketing shortcut.
Who can I contact?
Write to aureamusicprize@gmail.com, or follow Aurea on Instagram.
Applications Are Open
Submit your free Preliminary Round application before August 31, 2026 and take part in the first edition of Aurea Music Prize.
Apply for Free