2023 Competition Applications Opening Soon!

Live Competition Dates

All competitors will be assigned a specific time session after sign up.

Online Competition

Please apply using the "Apply Here" button below, select your ticket as "Online Application" and complete the registration. Afterwards, please email your video link to competition@muffinmusic.org.

You will receive your results within two weeks.

Location

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

3550 Baseline Ave

Santa Ynez, CA 93460

United States

Rolling applications! Apply anytime!

Apply via Givebutter site below

Apply Here

About the Competition

The M2 Competition is an all-levels, young artist Music competition focused around encouraging and fostering musical participation and excellence. We believe that competitions can serve as a valuable learning experience for young musicians by assisting with goal setting and giving them the chance to perform onstage. We also believe that young artists should be given the forum to listen to their peers and to feel a strong sense of community in their music making.

Therefore, the M2 Competition is designed to be a friendly and rewarding experience. All competitors will be awarded a certificate with either a Bronze, Silver, or Gold designation based upon their performance, and will also receive a detailed written report by professional musicians serving as the competition adjudicators. Competitor levels are mixed to allow for students to learn from each other.

Additional prizes will include a scholarship or entrance to the 2022 M2 Program, an invitation to perform at the 2022 Buellton in the Park Festival, and the chance to sing the national anthem at the 2022 Buellton in the Park Festival.

The M2 Program

The M2 Competition serves as the first step for young artists to participate in "M2"- our elite pre-college young artist program. Students have the option to ask to be considered for M2 on their applications, and scholarships and entrance invitations will be awarded following Callback day. There is no separate admissions process for M2.

Find out more

Rules and Regulations

Competition Rules

This is a music competition for solos, duets, and group acts. All genres and styles of music are welcome!
Applicants must be in Grade 12 or below at time of auditions (if they will have graduated by the time of the final performance, that is fine)
All audition pieces must be memorized, unless performed by groups of 3 or more. Groups of all sizes are welcome, provided they make appropriate preparations and bring any equipment required.
Applicants must be willing to commit to rehearsals and other preparations as needed if selected to participate in the final event
Applicants should feel prepared to perform on stage and be comfortable with the idea of speaking a brief, informative speech about themselves or their music
Applicants will abide by copyright laws and certify that they have permission to use all music performed during the auditions, callbacks, and final performance
Applicants should bring their music to the audition for the use of the judges. It will be returned to them after their audition.
Maximum audition time is 8 minutes, and may include 2 pieces.
Only one piece will be selected for performance at the final event by the judges.
All performers must bring their own equipment, including microphones, amps, etc. Only a piano will be provided. If accompaniment or backing tracks are required, performers are responsible for providing their own accompanist or playback equipment as needed.
Anything other than a piano required for a performer to participate must be brought by the performer to the auditions.
Entry fee is $10 and is nonrefundable. Fee waiver is available upon request- please email competition@muffinmusic.org
Decisions rendered by the judges will be considered final

Buellton in the Park Festival

Young Artists participating in the M2 Competition have the opportunity to be invited to perform at the 2022 Buellton in the Park festival on June 18th 2022 alongside professional musicians from all over the globe.