Everything you need to apply to the 2027 AFA International Violin Competition. Review the eligibility rules, dates, and required materials carefully and prepare your Round I video submission in advance of the deadline.
The AFA International Violin Competition is a biennial, international competition held in Johns Creek, Georgia, as part of the AFA Summer Festival. Established in 2025, the competition brings together outstanding young violinists from around the world for a rigorous three-round competition evaluated by an international jury of leading artists and educators. Round I is a video submission. Semifinalists are invited to Johns Creek to perform Rounds II and III live before the jury during the 2027 AFA Summer Festival.
Applications now open
Round I video submission deadline: March 30, 2027
Semifinalists notified: by April 15, 2027
Round II (Semifinal), live in Johns Creek, GA: July 23–24, 2027
Round III (Final), live in Johns Creek, GA: July 25, 2027
All dates are subject to change. Semifinalists are responsible for their own travel and accommodation in Johns Creek.
The application fee is $85, paid by card when you submit the online application.
Fees are non-refundable.
The competition is open to violinists of all nationalities. Applicants must meet the age requirements for one of the following divisions:
• Junior Division: ages 14 and under
• Senior Division: ages 14–21
Competitors who are 14 years old may enter either division, but may apply to only one. Age is determined as of July 23, 2027.
All applicants submit a Round I video application. Materials include:
• A completed online application
• Video recordings of the complete Round I repertoire for the applicant’s division
• The applicant’s proposed repertoire for Rounds II and III
• Proof of age (e.g., passport or birth certificate)
Video recording guidelines
Submit all of your Round I works in a single YouTube link.
1. Record each work as one continuous take, with no cuts or audio editing within the work. Then join all of your Round I performances, one after another, into a single video.
2. Use one fixed camera facing you, with your face, both hands, and the violin visible the whole time.
3. Use the room’s natural acoustics, with no added reverb or audio enhancement.
4. Recordings must be made after October 1, 2026, specifically for this competition.
5. Works with piano must be recorded with live piano. Recorded backing tracks are not accepted.
6. Before each work, say your name and the work you are performing.
7. Upload the single combined video to YouTube as Unlisted, and keep it available through July 31, 2027.
8. Videos that do not follow these guidelines may not be reviewed.
The competition consists of three rounds:
• Round I (Preliminary): video submission, reviewed by the jury
• Round II (Semifinal): live performance in Johns Creek, GA, July 23–24, 2027
• Round III (Final): live performance in Johns Creek, GA, July 25, 2027
Up to 12 semifinalists in each division are invited to Johns Creek for the live rounds. All Semifinal and Final Round works are performed with piano, and AFA provides a collaborative pianist.
Required repertoire for each division and round is listed on the Repertoire page. Senior Division finalists also perform a new work commissioned for the 2027 competition.
More than $10,000 in cash prizes and other awards.
Senior Division: Grand Prize $5,000, a performance with orchestra, a solo recital, and a social media publicity package; 2nd Prize $2,000; 3rd Prize $1,000.
Junior Division: 1st Prize $1,000 and a full scholarship to the AFA 2028 Summer Festival; 2nd Prize $700 and a scholarship to AFA 2028; 3rd Prize $500 and a scholarship to AFA 2028.
All prizewinners in both divisions also take part in a masterclass. Joint winners are possible, in which case the cash prize is split. Special distinctions and prizes may also be granted by external institutions or donors. Additional prize details will be announced.
If you have questions about eligibility, repertoire, video submissions, or the application process, we’re here to help. Contact the competition office and we will respond as soon as possible.
