During the past two years, SYMF had to modify our festival model and offered three online competitions and five masterclasses for our members' students. Winners received various prizes, including trophies, cash, gift certificates, and bows (for the string grand prize winners). We would like to thank our retail sponsors RDG Woodwinds, Flutacious, Morey's Music, and Bookmark Music for donating these prizes.

While video competitions allow students to continue gaining performance experience, we felt that it still falls short of the excitement and spontaneity of a live performance. How can one compare the sound of a video with a live performance? So in 2022 SYMF is hoping to bring back our in person competition during the summer at the Bob Cole Conservatory on the campus of California State University at Long Beach. Our tentative dates are July 16 (SAT), 17 (SUN) and 23 (SAT), 24 (SUN), and 25 (MON).

Please Note

  • At this time, the SYMF Board is considering live (in-person) auditions.
  • The Young Musicians' category will be limited to Piano and Strings ONLY and to the Baroque and Early Classical concerto repertoire listed in our Rules & Regulations Booklet.
  • These winners will be scheduled to perform with a smaller chamber orchestra.
  • However, SYMF must follow all recommended Covid-19 guidelines, as well as CSULB's health protocols for the safety of its campus.
  • Due to low enrollment, the Latin American Categories have been removed from both Piano OPEN and Piano QUALIFIED categories.
  • NEW: Memorization is OPTIONAL for Wind QUALIFIED categories.
  • NO WARM-UP ROOMS WILL BE AVAILABLE for the 2022 Summer Festival.

Dates & Deadlines

  • May 1: Last day for TEACHERS to pay SYMF Member Dues for 2022 (without a $10 Late Fee)
  • May 15: Last day for TEACHERS to pay SYMF Member Dues for 2022 (with a $10 Late Fee)
  • May 15: Last day for TEACHERS to enter students for the 2022 Festival (teachers must use the online Student Entry Form)
  • May 15 is the absolute last day to enter students in the 2022 Festival

Entry Fees

  • Entry Fees for all Solo Categories: $60
  • Entry Fees for all Ensemble Categories: $30 per performer
  • Entry Fees for all Young Musicians Categories (Piano & Strings ONLY in 2022): $80

Masterclasses

  • We are pleased to announce the 2022 Spring Masterclasses for Piano with Dr. Dmitry Rachmanov and for Violin with Lorenz Gamma on May 1, 2022 (Sunday). STAY TUNED for more details!

Advertising

  • If you would like to be featured on SYMF's website as a sponsor, and be included in all future 2022 SYMF E-Newsletters and the 2022 Summer Festival Program Booklet, please click here.
  • Your logo will be prominently displayed.
  • 2022 Advertising Fees are $100 (includes website sponsorship, e-newsletter advertisement, and 2022 Summer Festival Program Booklet advertisement).

Donations

  • Please consider a donation to help SYMF continue offering performing opportunities to young musicians.
  • To make a donation, please click here.

SYMF looks forward to 2022, and I hope to see you and all of your students in the summer!

Regards,

Way Wong
Executive Director
Southwestern Youth Music Festival

P.O.Box 10342
Torrance, CA 90505