Enroll between June 1st-June 30th, 2025. Videos due July 20th. Winners announced August 1st.
Entry fee may be paid with a credit card. Email completed applications to info@makingmusicfun.net.
Below you'll find all the details about how to join the fun, including:
Eligibility
Repertoire Requirements
Entry Fee
Divisions
Application
Adjudication
Four Levels of Distinction
Awards
Visit the MusicStars Music Festival Showcase page to view video performances of participating students from our last festival.
Want festival updates? Scroll to the bottom of this page to subscribe to the MakingMusicFun.net Newsletter.
1) Age Range - The festival is open to piano, guitar, and recorder students who are ages 5-12 at the time they record their video performance. Woodwind, brass, string, percussion, and voice students must be ages 9-12.
2) Enrolled in Lessons - Students must currently be taking music lessons either in person, online in real time, or through the MakingMusicFun.net Music Academy.
3) Prior Experience - Students must have studied for at least 6 months prior to application.
Register for the MakingMusicFun.net Music Academy Premium/Annual Subscription today and get your guaranteed competition entry for FREE!
1) One Piece - Students are limited to submitting a video performance of only one piece. The piece should be a minimum of 12 measures or a maximum of 5 minutes.
2) Family-Friendly Music - Students may choose sheet music arrangements from the MakingMusicFun.net Sheet Music Index, graded lesson books (Alfred's, Piano Adventures, etc.), classical music, folk music, Disney songs, movie and TV music, or Broadway scores. Whatever students choose to play, we just ask that it be family-friendly.
3) No Memorization Required - Music may be memorized, although it is not required.
Entry fee may be paid with a credit card. Email completed applications to info@makingmusicfun.net.
1) Beginning (Ages 5-8)
2) Intermediate (Ages 9-10)
3) Advanced (Ages 11-12)
4) Late Beginner (Less than one year of experience / Ages 9-12)
MusicStars 2024 Competition Registration Packet
Using a 100-point system, each performance will be evaluated with the following criteria:
1) Accuracy (20 Points)
2) Tempo (20 Points)
3) Technique (20 Points)
4) Musicianship (20 Points)
5) Overall Performance (20 Points)
The total number of points awarded by the adjudicator determines the student's level of achievement. Because the purpose of this festival is both growing musicianship and encouraging kids, no student will receive less than 70 points.
MusicStars Festival divides student achievement into four different levels, with each level providing encouragement to the student.
Superior/Shining Star (90-100 Points) The Highest Standard with Strong Preparation, Style, Accuracy and Steady Beat. A Trophy Winning Performance.
Superior (90-100 Points) Strong Preparation, Style, Accuracy and Steady Beat
Excellent (80-89 Points) Above Average Preparation, but with Some Flaws
Good Effort (70-79 Points) Average Preparation
1) MusicStars Festival Showcase - Every student will be featured in the MusicStars Festival Showcase.
2) Trophies - Adjudicators will select three (3) students from each division to be named "Shining Stars." These students will be highlighted in the MusicStars Festival Showcase.
3) Certificates - All other students will receive a personalized award certificate reflecting their level of achievement.
Parents will have the option to upgrade from a certificate to a trophy, if they would like to mark their child’s accomplishment in an extra special way.
Results will be announced in our newsletter following the close of the MusicStars Online Competition. Trophies, certificates, and adjudication sheets will be shipped within 7-10 days of the announcement.
Check out how much parents and kids love our online music competition:
"I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks for the beautiful trophies we recently received at our school. It has been both a pleasure and an honor to participate in your competition, and the children were absolutely thrilled to take part! We eagerly look forward to future opportunities to join in again." - Angela P."I love your online festival idea because it is very NON-threatening and that's what the kids really like about it too." - Sarah M.
"Thank you MMF! My son always enjoys the extra motivation." - Selina H.
"Thanks for hosting this every year! It's a great low-stress opportunity for students!" Dawn I.
Entry fee may be paid with a credit card. Email completed applications to info@makingmusicfun.net.
Questions? Email: info@makingmusicfun.net