European Union of Music Competitions for Youth

The **European Union of Music Competitions for Youth (EMCY)** is a European network that connects and supports national and international music competitions for young musicians. EMCY itself does not run a single central contest; instead, it brings together dozens of reputable youth music competitions across Europe and promotes their prize winners through concerts, tours, masterclasses, and artistic projects. Participation for high school students happens **indirectly** through EMCY’s member competitions. These events typically welcome talented young instrumentalists, singers, or ensembles (often in their mid-teens through early twenties) who compete at a high musical level. Outstanding participants may gain access to EMCY’s broader opportunities, such as international performance projects, networking with other young musicians, and increased visibility in the European music scene. For ambitious high school musicians, entering an EMCY member competition can be a strong step toward international artistic development.