You can enter in one of 2 age groups: 11 and under, and 12 – 19 year olds.
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.
Emotional
Happy
Expressive
Friendly
Eager
Surprised
Naive
Welcoming
Delicate
Precise
Soft
Technical
Refined
Complex
Beautiful
Melodic
Thoughtful
Dark
Vibrating
Pulsating
Futuristic
Technologic
Rhythmic
Ambient
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 Monday 30th June 2025)
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 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.
The overall winner will be invited to record their composition in Yamaha HQ in Milton Keynes and the winner of each age category will receive a Yamaha Bluetooth pack: 1 x WSX1A True X Bluetooth Speaker and 1 x set of TW-E3C ear buds (combined value of both £239.00).
