Radda Rise International String Competition
by Radda LLC
$12,000+ in Prizes
An international online music competition for young string players up to age 34, offering over $12,000 in cash prizes, mentorship, and detailed feedback.
Mode
Online
Fee
$125
Participation format
Individual
Duration
The competition runs from September to November.
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to violin, viola, cello, and double bass players of all nationalities, up to 34 years of age. The competition has several age-based categories to ensure fair evaluation. All submissions are made online, making it accessible globally.
- Grade level
- Grade 4 to 12
- Age range
- 9 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No specific academic requirements.
- Prerequisites
- Must be a violinist, violist, cellist, or double bassist.
- Ability to perform two contrasting solo pieces from memory.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$12,000+
A total prize pool of over $12,000 in cash prizes is distributed among winners in various age categories.
Prizes
Custom Personal Website
Select winners in teenage and adult categories receive a custom-designed personal website to help promote their musical career.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
All participants receive a certificate acknowledging their participation in the international competition.
Career pathways
All applicants receive a private mentorship session with the competition director. Winners may receive additional mentorship opportunities with the distinguished jurors.
Recognition
International recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Jun 2025
- Registration closed
- 6 Dec 2025
- Competition
- 1 Jun 2025 to 6 Dec 2025
How to apply
- 1Complete the online application form on the Radda website.
- 2Pay the non-refundable application fee.
- 3Submit high-quality video recordings of two contrasting solo works.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must submit video recordings of two contrasting solo pieces.
- Performances may be accompanied or unaccompanied.
- Early submission is encouraged to receive feedback and an opportunity to resubmit.
- Performances must be from memory and may be accompanied or unaccompanied.
- Recordings must have been made within the last year.
Technology requirements
- A high-quality video recording device.
- A stable internet connection to upload video submissions.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
A non-refundable application fee of $125 is required for each entry.
Refund policy
The application fee is non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The Radda Rise International String Competition is a prestigious online event designed to foster the musical growth of emerging string musicians from around the world. It provides a unique platform for young talents to showcase their skills, gain valuable performance experience, and receive constructive feedback to advance their musical careers.
Open to violinists, violists, cellists, and double bassists up to the age of 34, the competition features multiple age-specific categories to ensure fair evaluation. A key feature is the 'Radda Review,' where every applicant receives personalized video feedback from a professional string player, with an opportunity to resubmit their performance before final judging.
Rounds and format
The competition consists of two main stages. First, an initial submission and review round where all applicants receive personalized video feedback. Early applicants have the option to refine and resubmit their recordings before the final deadline for the jury evaluation.
How entries are judged
Performances are evaluated based on a comprehensive set of criteria including tone and sound quality, intonation, technical proficiency, musicality, stylistic accuracy, interpretation, and overall artistic communication. Jurors assess each applicant's video submissions individually before deliberating to select prize winners.
Selection process
Finalists and prize winners are selected by a panel of professional jurors after a thorough evaluation process. The selection is based on the final video submission, taking into account the detailed judging criteria. The 'Radda Review' feedback round allows participants to improve their performance before the final judging, and this refined submission is used for final evaluation.
How to prepare
- Work with a private music instructor to refine technique and interpretation.
- Record practice sessions to self-evaluate performance.
- Study the chosen musical pieces in depth to understand the composer's intent.
- Perform for friends, family, or in local recitals to gain confidence.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The competition structure requires participants to submit recordings of two contrasting solo pieces. All applicants receive a 'Radda Review,' which is video feedback from jurors. Based on this feedback, participants have the option to resubmit improved recordings before the final judging round. This process is designed to provide a valuable educational experience, focusing on artistic growth and performance refinement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common mistake participants make in video submissions?
A frequent oversight is poor audio or video quality, which can detract from the performance. Applicants should ensure recordings are clear, well-lit, and accurately represent their musical abilities without distractions.
How can participants best prepare for this type of competition?
Focus on personal growth rather than solely on winning. The unique feedback and resubmission process is designed for learning. Treat the competition as a masterclass experience to develop skills and gain valuable insights.
What distinguishes a prize-winning performance from a technically proficient one?
Prize-winners often demonstrate a deep, personal connection to the music, showcasing not just technical skill but also a unique artistic voice and mature interpretation. The ability to communicate a compelling musical narrative is key.
How significant is the 'Radda Review' feedback in the final judging?
The initial feedback is for the participant's growth and is not seen by the final jury. Jurors only evaluate the final submitted recording, so incorporating the feedback to improve the performance is highly advantageous.
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