California Youth Music Competition
Since 2023
Date: August 9, 2025
Address: Pomona College Lyman Hall , Bryant Hall
340 North College Avenue. Claremont, CA
Piano Competition: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Violin Competition: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Official Awards Ceremony with the Mayor: 5:00 PM (Top 4 Winners)
Detailed schedules and age group assignments is officially released.
2025 CYMC Event Information
Please read carefully to ensure you are well-informed of the official competition details for the day.
Check-In Times
Audience Guidelines & Performer Entry
Warm-Up Room
Score Announcements
Awards Presentation (5PM)
Please ensure you are fully aware of your session’s start time and complete your check‑in within the designated timeframe. If you are a violin contestant, it is essential that your accompanist is informed of your competition time. Please note that if you arrive late and miss your assigned number, you will forfeit your opportunity to compete
Please review the map in advance to plan your route and ensure you arrive at the correct location on the day of the competition. Ample street parking is available. Kindly arrive promptly at your assigned check‑in time.
Latest official updates on the 2025 CYMC Violin Competition
Award Ceremony:
The top four winners in each group and their teachers will receive awards presented by Mayor Calaycay at 5:00 PM. If you are unable to stay for the ceremony, please notify the front desk in advance. You will then need to pick up your trophy and certificate at the front desk. Contestants who are not ranked within the top four are kindly requested to proceed to the front desk to collect their Outstanding Excellence Participation Certificate.
The 2025 Ascend.CYMC Music Festival&Competition
Ascend.CYMC International Music Festival
Ascend.CYMC International Music Festival
CYMC NEWS
🏆 Winners of the First Prize at the 2025 CYMC in-person competition at Pomona College (August 9) will be granted direct entry into the Final Round of the Ascend.CYMC International Online Music Competition.
This prestigious opportunity allows young musicians to be evaluated by a world-class jury panel and perform on an international stage.
🎶 The 2025 jury includes:
• Jury member of the ARD International Music Competition in Munich
• Professors from the Leipzig University of Music and the Colburn School (USA)
• Laureates of the Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition
• Jury member of the Chopin International Piano Competition
• Violin faculty at the Hamburg University of Music and Theatre
CYMC is proud to offer young musicians an exceptional artistic platform at the highest international level.
Ascend. CYMC International Online Music Competition Awards
• Adult Group (18+)
• 1st Prize: Trophy & Certificate of Honor
• 2nd Prize: Trophy & Certificate of Honor
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3rd Prize: Trophy & Certificate of Honor
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Teen Group (13-17)
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1st Prize: Trophy & Certificate of Honor
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2nd Prize: Trophy & Certificate of Honor
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3rd Prize: Trophy & Certificate of Honor
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Children Group (6–12)
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1st Prize: Trophy & Certificate of Honor
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2nd Prize: Trophy & Certificate of Honor
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3rd Prize: Trophy & Certificate of Honor
Honorable Mentions:
Multiple recipients will receive a Certificate of Honor, commemorative gift, and one complimentary study abroad consultation session.
Special Awards:
Including “Best Performance Award” and “Most Promising Talent Award”—recipients will receive a Certificate of Honor and corresponding prizes.
About California Youth Music Competition
CYMC (California Youth Music Competition)
The CYMC (California Youth Music Competition) is an active children's music competition based in Southern California. It aims to provide a better platform for children with musical talents and a desire for the stage to showcase their artistic abilities. This competition includes contests for violin and piano performance, featuring a panel of distinguished judges. The production team, composed from world-class musicians, including renowned scholars from prestigious American music academies and top prize winners of international competitions, is dedicated to creating a high-quality musical extravaganza, aiming to bring every parent and child a top-notch musical experience.
What Makes CYMC Unique?
• Official Recognition: In proud collaboration with the City of Claremont, top winners receive an official Certificate of Commendation issued by the local city government, along with a custom-designed CYMC trophy. The award ceremony is attended by the Mayor, making it a prestigious and unforgettable experience for young musicians. This government-issued award is one of the few of its kind in Southern California, offering students a rare and highly respected credential.
• World-Class Performance Venue: The competition is held in the historic concert hall at Pomona College—a venue known for its classical elegance and rich acoustics. Equipped with a high-end grand piano and a majestic pipe organ, the hall seats over 200 audience members and offers an inspiring stage that many musicians dream of performing on. Judging is conducted by a panel of esteemed professionals, allowing each participant to showcase their artistry in a truly elevated setting.
• Who's eligible to apply: Students who aim to strengthen their artistic résumés, gain official recognition from government institutions, and stand out in school applications, conservatory admissions, and future musical opportunities.
• Community Partnership: We proudly partner with local businesses to create a meaningful and well-supported event that celebrates both music and community spirit.
