Solo Performer
of the Year
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. The Solo Performer of the Year National Final will take place on Sunday 23 May 2027 in the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow.
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?
School Competitions
Some local authorities run individual school competitions, and Scottish Young Musicians is happy to support schools who wish to hold their own event. If your school does not run a competition but you would like to enter your regional round, please speak to your Music Teacher.
Regional
Competitions
Every local authority selects a regional finalist. The process of selecting finalists will be slightly different in each area. For example, some might run local heats in secondary schools and some might run competitions in secondary schools 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. This year's independent schools final will take place in The High School of Glasgow on Saturday 20 March 2027.
The SYM
National Final
The finalists from each local authority and the independent schools will compete at the National Final on Sunday 23 May 2027 where they will be invited to perform a programme of their choice, lasting 6 to 7 minutes.
They can perform on their own or with an accompanist that we can provide, or bring their own. If they require a different kind of accompaniment (e.g. a backing track) please let us know in advance.
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 and they will have to agree to being filmed, recorded, and photographed, and their image may be used in the press, on our website, social media and in other marketing materials. Performers can only compete in the National Final twice and winners cannot compete again.
WHY
should I enter?
At Scottish Young Musicians, you will compete with some of the best young musicians in Scotland, in front of 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
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.
If you attend an independent school please speak to your music teacher. Your teacher can email us at [email protected]
STILL
not sure?
Read more about the 2026 final to get a taste of what to expect
to the solo performer national final
May 23 2027
Participating in SYM has a phenomenal, transformative impact, fostering benefits that extend far beyond the stage. Preparing for such a high-profile event provides a powerful sense of purpose, accelerating technical mastery and musical expression. This journey builds resilience and self-belief, teaching young people to manage performance anxiety and channel their nervous energy into moments of personal achievement. It connects them with a vibrant, supportive community of peers, broadening their horizons and inspiring them through shared creativity. Receiving constructive feedback from adjudicators offers external recognition that fuels their passion to keep playing. The experience instils life skills such as discipline, time management and focus, celebrating a journey of dedication and confidence carried into every aspect of their lives.
Blair Strachan, St Kentigern’s Academy, West Lothian
INFORMATION
FOR SCHOOLS
We are offering schools the opportunity to host their own SYM competition.
If you're a music teacher please email [email protected] for more information.
Or complete this order form to order your school trophies and certificates.
Scottish Young Musicians has meant so much to me. Growing up in Shetland, a very small yet very musical community, it was amazing to be able to see new people who also share this interest.
Martha Robertson, Shetland Isles Finalist
