The ‘Macao Young Musicians Competition’ (or CJMM, abbreviation in Portuguese) seeks to promote the development of classical music in Macao and provide opportunities for young local musicians to gain valuable stage experience, enhance their performance abilities and encourage potential young musicians to embark on a musical career. The competition is set up to feature the Piano category in odd-numbered years and the Chinese Instruments and Western Instruments category in even-numbered years. The 42^th Macao Young Musicians Competition in 2024 will be dedicated to Chinese Instruments and Western Instruments category.

1. Eligibility

   Chinese and Western Instruments (Excluding Vocal Solo and Ensemble)	Born in or after 2003 and holding a valid Macao Resident ID Card.
   Vocal Solo/Ensemble	Born in or after 1999 and holding a valid Macao Resident ID Card.

2. Notes
   
   1. Participant should use the name identical to his/her Macao Resident ID Card.
   2. Participants may compete in no more than three categories, and can choose either the elementary, intermediate or advanced level for each of the Chinese Instrumental Solo or Western Instrumental Solo/Vocal Solo categories.
   3. Participants should enter the competition level that matches their level of musical competence or ability. Winners of Second Prize, Third Prize, Distinction or Merit at any level in Chinese Instrumental Solo or Western Instrumental Solo/Vocal Solo categories in previous sessions of the ‘Macao Young Musicians Competition’ are deemed to have reached the respective level and are not allowed to participate in a lower level in the same category in this year’s Competition. If any participant is found to have applied for a level that does not tally with their level of musical competence, the Organiser reserves the right to disqualify the participant from that competition category and cancel their prizes (if any).
   4. First-prize winners of any level of Chinese Instrumental Solo or Western Instrumental Solo/Vocal Solo categories in previous sessions of the ‘Macao Young Musicians Competition’ are not allowed to participate in the category of the same level again.
   5. First-prize winning teams in the categories of Chinese Instrumental Ensemble or Western Instrumental Ensemble/Vocal Ensemble in previous sessions of the ‘Macao Young Musicians Competition’ are not allowed to participate in the same category with the same members again.
   6. Current or previous students majoring in a relevant music instrument performance in a diploma or Bachelor’s degree programme or above at any music academy or higher education institution, as well as students of a high school affiliated to a music academy (including students of full-time programmes at the School of Music of Macao Conservatory), and full-time musicians engaging in the relevant musical instrument or vocal performance, are not eligible to participate in the competition.
   7. When applying, Participants must submit a copy of their free choice pieces for the jury’s reference; Participants in the Concerto category must submit a copy of the music score for the soloist and the accompanists; the submitted copies will not be returned and will be discarded by the Organiser after the competition.
   8. The music score uploaded by participants must only contain the part to be performed in the competition and must be clear and correct. Participants shall be held solely responsible for the consequences of any score-related issues.
   9. Participants are not allowed to compete in more than one category in this year’s competition with the same free choice piece, or to perform the free choice pieces with which they have won prizes in previous sessions of the ‘Macao Young Musician Competition.’ Participants violating such rules will only be given a written assessment instead of a score, and cannot compete for any prize.
   10. Participants must handle by themselves any issues relating to the copyright of the piece to be performed and take all the relevant responsibility.
   11. An age limit is not set for accompanists in the Chinese Instrumental Solo or Western Instrumental Solo/Vocal Solo categories, and submission of the accompanists’ personal information is not required during the application process. However, participants are required to present a copy of the accompanists’ valid identification documents for registration during the designated report time of the Competition.
   12. All instrumental sections in the Chinese or Western Instrumental Ensemble, or all vocal sections in the Western Vocal Ensemble are of equal importance. The ensemble representatives and members participating in the Chinese Instrumental Ensemble or Western Instrumental Ensemble/Vocal Ensemble categories are deemed to be participants rather than accompanists, and therefore must submit the required application documents according to the Rules and Regulations.
   13. The Chinese Instrumental Ensemble category is only open to ensembles comprising performers of instruments listed in the Chinese Instrumental Solo category in Clause 3 of the Rules and Regulations.
   14. Chinese instrumental ensembles must comprise at least two sections, and guzheng ensembles must have at least two guzheng sections. Participants that do not satisfy the requirement will only be given a written assessment without a score and cannot compete for any prizes. In case of any dispute, the decision of the judges shall prevail.
   15. Chinese instrumental ensembles with a focus on guzheng should participate in the ‘Guzheng Ensemble’ category, all other Chinese instrumental ensembles should participate in the ‘Chinese Instrumental Ensemble’ category. Those participating in the wrong category will only be given a written assessment without a score and cannot compete for any prizes. In case of any dispute, the decision of the judges shall prevail.
   16. No participant should be a member of two or more ensembles competing in the same Chinese Instrumental Ensemble or Western Instrumental Ensemble/ Vocal Ensemble category.
   17. Participants are not allowed to use non-ensemble music pieces as the free choice piece to compete in Chinese Instrumental Ensemble or Western Instrumental Ensemble/Vocal Ensemble categories. If any Participant is found to use non-ensemble music pieces to compete in the said categories, the Judges shall decide whether his or her overall score will be affected.
   18. When necessary, the Organiser will notify Participants to submit supplementary documents within a specific period. Participants who fail to submit the required supplementary documents within the set period will be disqualified.
   19. If the number of participants or ensembles enrolled in a category is less than five, the Organiser reserves the right to cancel the relevant competition and the participants may not raise any objections. The registration fee will be refunded under such circumstances but will not be refunded under other conditions.
   20. Except for the aforementioned circumstances, the registration fee, once paid, is non-refundable.
   21. Upon registration, participants will be deemed to have agreed that the Organiser can photograph, record and film their performance, and the relevant photos, audio files, and videos will only be used for the record, archive, assessment, selection, or publicity purposes by the Organiser, and their copyright belongs to the Organiser, and no further notifications will be given. Participants cannot request the relevant photos, audio files or videos from the Organiser for any reason.
   22. Upon registration, participants will be deemed to have agreed that the Organiser can forward their personal data and competition details (such as their name, contact information, and performance videos) to a third-party staff member in or outside the city for competition-related work, assessment or selection purposes, and that the Organiser can broadcast their performance videos online in a non-public manner for relevant personnel to view.
   23. When performing on the stage, the accompanist (if any) will be deemed to have agreed and accepted that the Organiser can handle their personal data in the manner stated in Clauses 4.2.21 and 4.2.22. Participants are obliged to ensure the accompanist acknowledges and consents to this. In case of any dispute, the participant shall be held solely responsible.
3. Application Method
   This competition accepts online registration and payment only. Details are:

   Registration Procedures		Enter the CJMM Website→Log in to “CJMM Registration System” with “Macao One Account”→ Register online → Pay online → Receive Online Registration Slip via email and confirmation SMS via mobile phone → Application Complete → Submission of supplementary documents (if applicable)*
   Registration Fee		MOP200.00 per category
   Online Registration (Registrations and Payments not accepted after the deadline)	Website	www.icm.gov.mo/cjmm
   	Time	26 April, 10:00 – 6 May, 16:00
   Documents to be Submitted		One copy of music score of free choice piece (applicable to categories with free choice pieces)**

   *Please refer to the regulation stated in Clause 4.2.18.
   **Please refer to the regulation stated in Clause 4.2.8.
4. Submission by Authorised Representative or Group Registration
   1. To safeguard the rights and interests of Participants, they are recommended to complete the online registration and payment via the ‘registration system’ in person. As for ensembles, a representative must be authorised by ensemble members via the ‘registration system’ and the authorised representative can complete the online registration and payment, submit applications, and check the scores and written assessment for the ensemble on behalf of other members. Other members of the ensemble only have the right to check.
   2. If any solo Participants or ensemble representatives are unable to complete the online registration and payment in person, an institution must be authorised via the ‘registration system’ to proceed with online registration and payment, application submission, and checking of the scores and written assessment via the ‘registration system’ on their behalf. The solo Participants or ensemble representatives still have those rights even after they have authorised another institution to do so. If the solo Participants or ensemble representatives need to authorise an institution for group registration, the authorised institution must log into the ‘registration system’ and sign up with their entity’s ‘Macao One Account’.
   3. The Participant shall be solely responsible for any information that is omitted or in error, or any consequences arising from the Participant’s improper authorisation, or any mistake made by the authorised party, the Cultural Affairs Bureau will not assume any responsibility nor accept any relevant appeal.
5. Notes on Changes of Information
   
   1. Participants are not allowed to change their competition categories, levels and pieces (either free choice or compulsory pieces) after payment; members cannot be added, withdrawn or changed, and representatives cannot be renamed for ensemble categories.
   2. After the competition schedule (provisional list) has been announced, participants may request to change the performance order with reasonable grounds, such as a time clash between the competition and compulsory school activities. Participants can complete and print the Request Form for Change of Performance Order via the ‘registration system’, and submit the signed request form together with relevant supporting documents (such as proof issued by the school) to the Cultural Affairs Bureau Building in person by 19 June (during office hours). The Organiser (the Cultural Affairs Bureau, IC) will review the request according to the jury’s opinions, venue or other technical issues and inform the Participant whether the request is approved or denied. The Organiser (IC) will notify the Participant concerned if they approve the request. In case it is not approved, the Participant must perform in the original order and will be disqualified by the Organiser if they fail to do so.
   3. After the designated date mentioned in 4.5.2, if any Participant needs to change the performance order at short notice with reasonable grounds, for instance, if Participants have to seek medical attention for unforeseeable reasons and the consultation time clashes with the competition, Participants can complete and print the Request Form for Change of Performance Order (Form B) via the ‘registration system’, and submit the signed request together with relevant supporting documents (such as proof issued by the hospital) to the Cultural Affairs Bureau Building or competition venue in person at least 2 working days before the competition. The Organiser (IC) will review the request according to the jury’s opinions, venue or other technical issues and inform the Participants whether the request is approved or denied. The Organiser (IC) will notify the Participant concerned if they approve the request. In case the request is not approved, the Participant must perform in the original order and will be disqualified by the Organiser if they fail to do so.
   4. To protect the rights and interests of Participants, the ‘Request of Change of Performance Order’ (Form B) must be submitted in person by the Participants themselves. If the Participants or ensemble representatives are not able to submit the form personally, they must fill in the ‘Authorisation’ section of the form for others to submit on their behalf, and the authorised person must present their valid Macao Resident ID Card for verification when submitting the form. For regulations regarding the Authorisation Letter, please refer to the following:
      

      		Submitted by parents or legal guardians on their behalf	Submitted by people other than parents and legal guardians on their behalf (including ensemble members)
      Solo Participant or ensemble representative	Aged 18 or above	Authorisation required	Authorisation required
      	Below 18	Authorisation not required	Authorisation required

1. Musical instruments (Provisional) listed below may be borrowed, please submit application to borrow during Online Registration.

   Instrument / Equipment	Brand	Model	Specification
   Chinese Instruments
   Dagu	Guyun	--	60cm
   Xiagu	Jinsheng	--	23cm
   Paigu (One set of five)	Guyun	--	--
   Western Instruments
   Grand Piano	Steinway & Sons	D274	A=442
   Pedal Harp	Lyon & Healy	Style 85 CG	47 strings
   Lever Harp	Lyon & Healy	Ogden	34 strings
   Snare drum	Pearl Brass	S/N:212110	14"× 6.5"
   Timpani (One set of four)	Concorde	--	23", 26", 29", 31"
   Xylophone	Adams	Xylophone Soloist 4.0	4 octaves
   Marimba	Adams	MAHV50	5 octaves
   Vibraphone	Yamaha	YV2700	3 octaves
   Glockenspiel	Saito	SG100	2.5 octaves

2. Participants must ensure that the loaned musical instruments are in good shape without any damage after use. If there is any damage, destruction or loss of the loaned instruments, the Organiser reserves the right to claim compensation from the Participants.
3. Warm-up rooms are available for Participants; schedule for using the warm-up rooms will be arranged by the Organiser; piano will not be provided in the warm-up rooms.
4. Participants in the Percussion Solo and Western Instrumental Ensemble categories and those in Chinese Percussion Solo and Chinese Instrumental Ensemble categories are required to submit their stage instrument location plan via the registration system by 3 July.

1. The order of performance will be determined by the Organiser by computer ballot, and Participants must perform according to the allocated order.
2. Participants in the concerto category must perform with their accompanist(s). If the accompanist(s) is/are absent at the scheduled time of the performance, the Participants will be deemed to be waiving the right to participate in the competition, and thus forbidden to perform.
3. Rules on competition pieces and music scores:
   1. Participants and accompanists are responsible for ensuring their use of legal copies of music scores. Should they have difficulties in page turning with legal copies, they can request to use photocopies when checking in at the competition venue and use the legal copies together with photocopies in the competition only after obtaining approval from the Organiser. They may also arrange their own page turner if necessary.
   2. Participants or accompanists using music scores downloaded from online website shall present a payment receipt to prove the participant’s right to use the score.
   3. If the original score of the ensemble’s free choice piece consists of the full score and parts, all members of the ensemble must use the original scores. If only the full score is available, the ensemble can inform the Organiser of the situation and, after verification, one of the members must use the original score and the others can use a copy of the score. In case of any dispute, participants shall be held solely responsible.
   4. Participants must perform the pieces specified on their registration forms.
   5. Participants in violation of the rules set in clauses 6.3.1 to 6.3.4 will only be given a written assessment in lieu of a score, and thus cannot compete for any prizes.
   6. Participants should follow the music score to complete their performance. If a Participant deviates from the notation, the Judges shall decide whether his or her overall score will be affected.
   7. Participants who perform free choice pieces must finish their performance within the time limit specified in the Competition Repertories. If the performance exceeds the time limit, the Organiser has the right to press the bell and instruct the participant to stop the performance and will deduct 3 points (per piece) from their total average score.
   8. When playing designated pieces from the Chinese Instrumental Solo category, participants must only use the version specified in the competition. Should a participant in the Chinese Instrumental Solo category perform other versions, it is at the judges’ discretion as to whether the overall score of the participant will be affected.
   9. Participants shall not play repeats or first endings unless otherwise stated explicitly in the “Competition Repertories”. Da Capo (D.C.) and Dal Segno (D.S.) should be played as instructed.
   10. The Organiser has the right to determine the performance time for each participant based on the actual number of registrants, and implement relevant arrangements as stated in Clauses 6.3.10.1 – 6.3.10.3:
       1. The Organiser will designate a particular excerpt or time limit for participants to perform on the stage. The relevant regulation will be announced on the Competition Schedule (Provisional) on the CJMM website on 12 June；
       2. If a particular excerpt is designated, judges will only score the performance of the designated excerpt of the piece. If a participant fails to perform the designated excerpt as required, the Organiser has the right to press the bell and instruct them to restart from the designated excerpt or stop their performance and will deduct 3 points (per piece) from the participant’s total average score.
       3. If a time limit is designated, for the compulsory pieces, participants are required to perform from the beginning of the pieces and finish the performance within the time limit. For the free choice pieces, upon checking in, the participant must indicate the start and end points of the excerpt they have decided to perform on the score of their free choice pieces (if any) and must ensure their performance does not exceed the time limit. Judges will only score the performance within the designated time limit. If a performance exceeds the time limit, the Organiser has the right to press the bell and instruct the participant to stop their performance and will deduct 3 points (per piece) from the participant’s total average score.
4. If any Participant is a relative of any member of the judging panel, or has been a long-term student of or has business interests with any of the judges (e.g. in any full-time or part-time course at a music school) in the past two years as of the competition date of the relevant category, or has been a short-term student of or has business interests with any of the judges (e.g. in any master class) over the past year as of the competition date of the relevant category, they must report the relationship to the Organiser prior to the competition. The judge concerned will not evaluate the Participant’s performance. The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify the Participant and rescind any awards and prizes granted if it is discovered that the Participant concealed any relationship that they have or had with one of the judges.
5. Judges may require a Participant to stop playing if they believe the performance up to the requested stop is sufficient to arrive at a fair decision; on the contrary, Judges may ask a Participant to repeat the piece(s) if they are unable to assess his or her previous performance.
6. Participants are prohibited from having any contact with Judges before the announcement of the competition results. Those in violation will be disqualified and any possible prizes will also be cancelled.；
7. Participants must strictly follow the arrangements of onsite staff and the Organiser reserves the right to disqualify those who fail to follow the relevant arrangements.
8. Participants in the Chinese music category are required to abide by the rules set in clause 6.1 and 6.3-6.7; and participants in the Western music category are required to abide by the rules set in clause 6.1, 6.2, 6.3.1-6.3.7, 6.3.9-6.3.10 and 6.4-6.7.

1. Participants must check-in at the competition venue at the designated time by presenting the original copy of their valid Macao Resident ID Cards to collect a competition number; Participants who only present a copy of their valid Macao Resident ID Card can still perform on stage but will only be given a written assessment in lieu of a score, and thus cannot compete for any prizes. Participants who fail to present their original valid Macao Resident ID Card or a copy will not be permitted to perform on the stage.
2. Accompanists are required at the same time to present copies of their personal identification documents and collect a performance number.
3. Participants failing to obtain their performance number at the reception desk at the designated time will be regarded as ‘late’. Though permitted to perform, a late Participant will only be given a written assessment in lieu of a score, and thus cannot compete for any prizes.
4. Participants who fail to appear on stage after their names have been called three times will be seen as withdrawn from competition and will not be allowed to perform on stage.

1. Composition of the Consultant
   The competition’s consulting panel comprise 5 music and art administration professionals from outside Macao, such as Singapore, mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, including heads of art administration teams, orchestra conductors, musicians and singers, university and music school professors, or heads of music competition teams (the actual list and number of consultants depend on the professionals’ availability, qualifications, and other factors). The consultants are responsible for providing professional advice on the system, overall planning and other aspects of CJMM, and do not have the right to score the participants or determine the competition results.
2. Composition of the Jury
   The jury for each category consists of at least two music professionals from outside Macao, such as mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, including musicians from Chinese orchestras, Chinese music ensembles, Western orchestras, Western wind ensembles and Western music ensembles, vocal solo/ensemble/chorus singers as well as music teachers from universities and conservatories of music. (The final list of judges depends upon the schedule and qualifications of judges and other factors). Judges have the right to score the participants and determine the competition results.
3. Assessment Criteria
   1. Competition results are graded on a scale of 0 to 100 points.
   2. Participants in the Chinese Instrumental Solo/Ensemble or Western Instrumental Solo/Ensemble or Vocal Solo/Ensemble categories must play or sing using the skills specified in the score. All participants should have a good overall understanding of their pieces, including the style, harmonic structure, musicality, and musical appeal.
   3. Competition results will be calculated according to the average of the Judges’ total scores, rounded to two decimal places.
   4. Judges reserve the right to make the final decision on all music-related issues. All scoring decisions made are final and Participants must respect and accept those decisions. The Organiser does not accept any appeal filed against the judges’ scores.
4. All Category Prizes (to be announced)
5. Cash Awards of All Categories (to be announced)
   
6. Special Prizes Competition (to be announced)
7. Cash Awards for Special Prizes (to be announced)
8. Cultural Affairs Bureau Prize (to be announced)

		Signal Hoisting Time	Corresponding actions
Rainstorm	Or	Competition goes on as usual
		From 06:30 to 11:00	Morning contest to be suspended
		From 11:00 to 16:00	Afternoon contest to be suspended
		Later than 16:00	Evening contest to be suspended
		One hour prior to the competition	The contest continues
Typhoon	or below	Competition goes on as usual
	or above	From 06:30 to 11:00	Morning contest to be suspended
		From 11:00 to 16:00	Afternoon contest to be suspended
		Later than 16:00	Evening contest to be suspended
		One hour prior to the competition	To be decided case by case based on the circumstance
		Before 06:30	The whole day’s contests go on as usual
		From 06:30 to 11:00	Afternoon and evening contests go on as usual
		From 11:00 to 16:00	Evening contest goes on as usual
		Later than 16:00	Evening contest continues

1. If Typhoon Signal No.8 (or above) is issued during the competition, Organiser may reschedule or continue the competition according to actual circumstances; Participants may decide to stay or not when the competition continues. There will be no rescheduling if the Participants decide not to stay;
2. Organiser will announce the news via the website or SMS to mobile phone numbers provided by Participants upon registration.

1. When enrolling through the registration system for the Macao Young Musicians Competition, participants will be required to provide their basic personal information (including Macao Resident ID Card number ).
2. The participants’ information is collected for registration purposes and for facilitating the Organiser to provide the participants with important details related to the competition. The registration system will be unable to proceed with the registration of those who fail to provide the necessary information.
3. Participants must ensure the authenticity, accuracy and completeness of the data provided. The organiser shall have the right to cancel the participant’s registration without notice if they have reasonable doubt about the validity of the information provided.
4. All the personal information provided through the registration system is protected through the high-level security system of IC and can only be accessed by authorised personnel.
5. When enrolling through the registration system, participants are deemed to have accepted the privacy policy stated on the system.

1. Competitions are open to public aged 6 or above.
2. Seating at the competition venue is not assigned and is available on a first-come, first served basis.
3. Filming and photographing with a flash, which may disturb the participants and Judges, are prohibited in the competition venue. Use of phone is prohibited, audiences are requested to turn phones or other beeping devices onto silent.
4. Eating and drinking or possession of plastic bags and/or objects considered dangerous are prohibited in the competition venue.
5. The audience must strictly follow the arrangements of onsite staff.
6. Audience members in violation of the rules set in clause 12.3 to 12.5, or cause undue disturbance in competition venues may be asked to leave the venue.

1. By registering for the competition, the Participants acknowledge and agree all the Rules and Regulations promulgated here.
2. All Rules and Regulations are applicable to participants in the Chinese and Western music categories.
3. Any changes to the Rules and Regulations will be published on the Macao Young Musicians Competition website, and the latest information announced online shall prevail.
4. Unless otherwise specified by the Organiser, any updates or results announced by the Organiser are open to enquiries or complaints from the Participants for one week. If there are no enquiries or complaints after this period, the updates or results will be deemed as agreed and the Organiser shall have the right to refuse any relevant enquiries or complaints.