You can enter in one of three age groups: Under 11s, 12-18 and 19+.

To enter, choose the wave that resonates most deeply and sparks your creativity - whether it's the joyful playfulness of "Rich & Colourful", the melodic beauty of "Delicate & Masterful", the graceful tranquility of "Electric & Synthetic", or the dynamic energy of "Disruptive and Opinionated."

Once you've selected your wave, compose an instrumental piece inspired by its mood and descriptive words. This can be for any solo instrument, duet, full ensemble, orchestra, band - your choice! All entries must be an original composition/song and the piece should run 3-5 minutes in length. Record an audio clip of your original composition.

1. Rich & Colourful

    Emotional

    Happy

    Expressive

    Friendly

    Eager

    Surprised

    Naive

    Welcoming

2. Delicate & Masterful

    Delicate

    Precise

    Soft

    Technical

    Refined

    Complex

    Beautiful

    Melodic

3. Electric & Synthetic

    Thoughtful

    Dark

    Vibrating

    Pulsating

    Futuristic

    Technologic

    Rhythmic

    Ambient

4. Disruptive & Opinionated

    Confident

    Rock

    Powerful

    Intrusive

    Rebellious

    Defiant

    Chaotic

    Imperfect

To enter, complete the online entry form below, including your recording upload and a brief statement of how your piece was influenced by your chosen wave. (Entries must be received by 8th March 2024)

The competition will be judged by Oliver Dixon (YMS UK Business Development Manager) alongside guest judge, renowned composer - Neil Brand. The judges will be looking for, structure, creativity and a sound connection to the chosen wave.

Neil Brand

Neil Brand is an acclaimed silent film accompanist who has performed worldwide for over 30 years, including inaugurating the 'School of Music and Image' to teach young pianists; he is also a prolific composer, writer, and performer across mediums like film, radio, and television, where he hosts series on cinema's music.

His work includes a powerful adapation of Hound of The Baskervilles - performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra on Christmas Day '23 (Watch here), A Christmas Carol for Orchestra, Choir and Actors commissioned by Radios 3 and 4. Neil has become well-known as a TV presenter on BBC4 with his hugely successful series Sound of Cinema - The Music that Made the Movies and is a regular presenter on Radio 4. Both a Fellow of Aberystwyth University and a Visiting Professor of the Royal College of Music Neil is considered one of the finest improvising piano accompanists in the world.

neilbrand.com

The overall winner will be invited to record their composition in Yamaha’s Live Room in Milton Keynes and the winner of each age category will receive a Yamaha Bluetooth pack worth over £280 containing:
1 x WS-B1A Bluetooth Speaker & 1 x set TW-E5B Bluetooth earbuds TW-E5B.

Thank you

The competition is now closed. Thank you to all who entered. Good luck!