Encouraging Young Musicians

The Society of American Musicians was founded in 1914 with the intent of promoting the best interests of music in America, and maintaining the highest standards of musicianship. Through the competition, its awards, and performance opportunities, the Society offers assistance and encouragement to young musicians and promising artists.

The Society of American Musicians hosts an annual competition for a wide range of instruments: cello, guitar, flute, piano, viola, violin, and voice each spring in Chicago.

Instrumentalists under the age of 32, who currently reside in the United States, are eligible to participate in the competition.

For more details, please download the 2009 Competition Brochure & Application

The 2009 deadline has passed, and applications are no longer being accepted.

2007 Winners

The Society of American Musicians and the Music in the Loft proudly present the 2009 Jules M. Laser Chamber Music Competition

Music in the Loft is dedicated to advancing the professional careers of today's finest young musicians by providing a venue for the performance of chamber music in an intimate and acoustically superior setting. Our Composer-in-Residence program, Classics for Kids series, and Young Award Winners' Concerts support this goal, by bringing chamber music to audiences of all ages and diverse levels of musical experience.

Chamber ensembles consisting of three or more musicians with members between the ages of 10-18 (grade 12 and under) are cordially invited to participate for a chance to win a first-prize package consisting of a $1,200 award, a live broadcast from WFMT 98.7 radio, and performance at the 2009 SAM Winner's Concert.

For more details, please download the 2009 Chamber Music Competition Brochure & Application

The 2009 deadline has passed, and applications are no longer being accepted.

2009 Young Artist Competition

The Society of American Musicians cordially invites young artists currently residing in the United States, under the age of 30 (age 32 for voice), to participate in the 2009 Young Artist Competition.

Finalists will be invited to compete in Nichols Concert Hall at the Music Institute of Chicago September 2009. The competition will be open to the public.

For more details, please download the 2009 Young Artist Brochure & Application.

The deadline has been extended until June 10th.