The Nanyang International Music Competition began in 2017 and aims to bring together music professionals and enthusiasts. The organizing committee hopes that through this platform, the younger generation of future musicians can showcase their skills, challenge themselves, and achieve higher levels of performance; But more importantly, to enhance international artistic and cultural exchanges and support the development of the next generation of musicians.
The Nanyang International Music Competition is hosted by the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, School of Music in Singapore, and its purpose is consistent with the mission of the Nanyang Academy of Arts, which is to inspire learning and growth through art. I hope to inspire music talents to understand and master the essence of music through the competition, and share their experiences and achievements in the music learning journey together.
Wong Sun Tat
Head of Chinese Instrumental Studies, School of Music, Faculty of Performing Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Dear contestants, teachers, parents, and fellow musicians,
Welcome to the 7th Nanyang International Music Competition 2026!
The Nanyang International Music Competition has always been committed to providing an open, professional, and diverse platform for young musical talents from different countries and regions. Through this competition, we hope participants will not only showcase their artistry and develop their skills, but also gain new inspiration through meaningful artistic exchange.
This year, in addition to the existing online competition, we are pleased to introduce an onsite final round to be held at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore at the end of July. It is important to note that the online competition remains a complete and independent competition category. Participants will receive awards and certificates based on the results of the online adjudication. Contestants who receive a Silver Award or above in the online competition will qualify to participate in the onsite final round.
This year’s Artist Award Category features the Dizi, while the Solo Categories include Erhu, Banhu, Suona, and Dizi. Each of these instruments possesses its own unique artistic character, carrying rich musical traditions while also reflecting the expressive depth and vitality of Chinese music today. We look forward to hearing each contestant present their musical artistry through solid technique, sincere expression, and a genuine passion for the art form.
On behalf of the Organising Committee, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all contestants, teachers, parents, adjudicators, and supporters for your participation and support. May every participant gain valuable experience, friendship, inspiration, and artistic growth through the Nanyang International Music Competition.
I wish all contestants an enjoyable and rewarding competition experience, and every success in your performances.
Thank you.
The Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) - School of Music was established in 1984. It is the only institution in Singapore that is funded by the government, offering courses in both Chinese and Western musical instruments, as well as vocal and composition majors. In 2011, under the counsel of then Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the world's number one ranked Royal College of Music, London (RCM) launched a partnership, with students being awarded degrees conferred by the Royal College of Music and recognized by the China’s Ministry of Education. In 2023, NAFA and RCM launched a new masters program, bringing NAFA and the musical educational landscape to new heights
NAFA School of Music provides students with one-to-one and small class education in the form of a "bespoke education". Every semester, it invites numerous international artistes and professors from prestigious conservatories and universities to conduct series of activities such as master classes, lectures and workshops. NAFA School of Music also presents many regular concerts during the year, ranging from orchestral , solo and ensemble concerts by both Western and Chinese Instrumentalists. Through these performances and other activities, students are provided with rich resources and many practical opportunities.
The government of Singapore is vigorously promoting the development of arts and culture. Through the establishment of the new University of the Arts Singapore, it hopes to meet the needs of the arts and cultural sector; and enhance Singapore's position on the global art stage through educational advancement. NAFA is one of the proud founding member college of the new University of the Arts Singapore.
