Solo Performer of the Year
After an incredible day of performances at the SYM National Finals, the 2023 competition is now closed. Follow us on social media for the latest announcements about next year's competition.
Solo Performer of the Year is a nationwide competition to discover the brightest musical talent in Scotland. It is open to all young musicians who go to school in Scotland, and you can enter whatever your age or standard. If you're interested in taking part, speak to your music teacher or instructor to find out more.
Who can enter?
The competition is open to every school student in Scotland who sings or plays an instrument. There is no minimum age or standard.
How does it work?
Regional competitions
Each local authority selects a regional finalist. The process of selecting finalists will be slightly different in each local authority. For example, you might run local heats in each secondary school and then have a regional heat to decide who will represent the local authority at the National Final.
A finalist will also be selected from Scotland's independent schools following their own competition.
National Final
The finalists from each local authority and the independent schools will compete at the National Final.
In the final, you will be invited to perform a programme of your choice, lasting no more than 7 minutes.
You can perform on your own or with an accompanist. You can choose to perform with the accompanist we provide, or you can bring your own. If you require a different kind of accompaniment (e.g. a backing track) please let us know in advance so that we can be prepared.
A panel of judges will then decide who will be awarded the title of Solo Performer of the Year.
The finalists and their parent or carer will receive travel expenses and accommodation, arranged by SYM, if required. The final will be a national event so you will be filmed, recorded, or photographed and your image may be used in the press, on our website, social media and in other marketing materials
Why should I enter?
At Scottish Young Musicians, you will compete with some of the best young musicians in Scotland, for a panel of judges with an international reputation. It might push you outside your comfort zone, but don't let that put you off.
These competitions are a chance to develop your skills, get performance experience, grow in confidence, and meet other young people who are passionate about music. And you can even win some amazing career-changing prizes!
Still not sure? Read more about this year's finals to get a taste of what to expect.
How do I enter?
If you are a young musician, speak to your music teacher or instructor to let them know you're interested in entering the Solo Performer of the Year competition. Your teacher can then contact the local authority Music Service Manager to get the details of how to enter.
Attend an independent school? Your teacher can email us at independentschools@scottishyoungmusicians.com
The 2023 competition is now complete. Follow us on social media for the latest announcements about SYM 2024.
Follow us on social media to get the latest announcements about the Scottish Young Musicians competitions.
I was so excited to see the initial success of the new competition last year. I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the enthusiasm and commitment of all the young people taking part in this and in subsequent years, from their school competitions through to the national final. It’s clear that the initiative is growing and will attract ever wider attention among our school community and in the wider musical world.
