Violin 2025: Procedures

Eligibility

Competition Rules

  1. The competition is open to young violinists between the ages of  13 - 18 during the competition, who have not yet enrolled in college, and who have not won one of the top three prizes in a previous Cooper competition. Please note that competitors under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent.
  2. The signing of the acceptance agreement will constitute acceptance by the contestant of all rules and regulations.
  3. Approximately 18 contestants will be accepted to participate in the competition. Their names will be announced to the public and posted on the Cooper competition website. Listing will include hometown, nationality, age, and repertoire.
  4. All decisions of the jury will be final and not subject to questions, revisions, or appeal.
  5. Prizes will be subject to US income tax laws. In the event of a tie, adjusted cash prizes will be shared by tied winners.
  6. All works are to be performed from memory and in their entirety, except for the Beethoven Sonata.
  7. Participants are expected to perform the works listed on the application form. This repertoire will appear in the competition booklet and website. Final repertoire must be received by November 1, 2024.
  8. Performance order for the competition will be determined by a drawing on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at noon. This meeting must be attended by all candidates.
  9. If any unexpected situations arise in the execution of these guidelines, the director of the Cooper Competition will resolve such situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is funding for travel to the competition available?
Yes. Travel reimbursement is available for eligible flights and mileage. More detail regarding travel requirements will be provided upon acceptance.

May I request a specific pianist?
You may not request a specific pianist. This assignment is made by the competition's artistic administration.

May I bring my own pianist?
Competitors are strongly encouraged to work with an official pianist. However, violinists are permitted to bring an accompanist at their own expense.

How will I be informed of the name of my collaborative pianist?
Each semifinalist will meet their pianist at the first rehearsal on Sunday, January 5. The competition will not share the pianist’s name with a semifinalist in advance.

How does the jury remain impartial?
Jurors are recused from voting for participants with whom they have had any past relationship as a primary teacher.

Do I choose repertoire and performance order?

  1. Performers choose the order of required pieces for the First Round.
  2. The jury chooses repertoire and order for the Second Round.

Should I play the repeats notated in the music in the competition?

  1. The jury will not hear repeats in Bach or Beethoven in the First Round.
  2. If the performer would like to perform repeats in the Second Round, it may be possible depending on the length of the program that is selected by the jury.