Giving Challenge: April 15-16
Competitions
Challenging our students to reach new heights of artistic excellence.
Competitive opportunities
Competitions provide a focused goal for students and the opportunity to receive feedback from distinguished adjudicators. SMC students are encouraged to participate in local, regional, and national competitions appropriate for their level.
Young Pianist Competition
In collaboration with SCF PianoPalooza! Festival
Sarasota Music Conservatory is pleased to support young local musicians through its Annual Young Pianist Competition! Proudly collaborating once again with the PianoPalooza! Festival and the Performing Arts Department at the State College of Florida.
2026 Winners
- JuniorsLeo ChenAdam MezhibovskyKhang Nguyen
- SeniorsKai DengAiden YueEdoardo Ronchini
SMC Annual Concerto Competition
SMC's Annual Concerto Competition invites advanced young instrumentalists to compete for the opportunity to perform a concerto movement as soloists with orchestra. Winners are featured in a public concert with the Pops Orchestra of Sarasota and Bradenton.
Competition Details
- Open to advanced instrumental students (ages 11–18)
- Applicants must reside within a 60-mile radius of Sarasota
- Standard concerto movement required (memorized)
- Piano accompaniment required for the competition round
- Applicants must provide a score for adjudicators
- SMC and non-SMC students are welcome to apply
- Previous winners may not compete on the same instrument two years in a row
- Winners must be available for all required rehearsals and performance
- Winners will perform with the Pops Orchestra of Sarasota and Bradenton
- Open to advanced instrumental students (ages 11–18)
- Applicants must reside within a 60-mile radius of Sarasota
- Standard concerto movement required (memorized)
- Piano accompaniment required for the competition round
- Applicants must provide a score for adjudicators
- SMC and non-SMC students are welcome to apply
- Previous winners may not compete on the same instrument two years in a row
- Winners must be available for all required rehearsals and performance
- Winners will perform with the Pops Orchestra of Sarasota and Bradenton
2025 Winners
- 1st PlaceSelena Shen, violin
- 2nd PlaceLeo Chen, violin
- 3rd PlaceJin Huang, piano
- Honorable MentionMing Zhe Guo, cello
Recent SMC Student Success
Celebrating the hard work and artistry of our students.
Selena Shen, violin
1st Place
SMC Concerto Competition
Leo Chen, violin
2nd Place
SMC Concerto Competition
Justin Kim, viola
5th chair viola
All State H.S. Orchestra
Sponsor a competition prize
Sponsor a prize and help recognize exceptional young musicians while supporting their continued musical growth.