The 2025 Hawaiʻi State Music Competition Part is open to Piano, Violin, and Low Strings (Viola, Cello, Bass) for students ages 5-18.
The 2025 Hawaiʻi State Music Competition will be held live at ‘Iolani School (Castle Building), and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Music Department.
Competition dates
Saturday, October 04, 2025
Sunday, October 05, 2025
Winners’ concert
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
Dates are subject to change pending venue availability, due to circumstances beyond our control.
Eligibility & Levels
The 2025 Hawaiʻi State Music Competition (HSMC) is open to Piano, Violin, Low Strings (Viola, Cello, Bass), for students ages 5-18.
*New* Both students and teachers must be residents of Hawaiʻi.
*New* Due to a growing number of contestants, there will be a four-student limit per level per teacher.
Competition Levels are determined by the student’s age on October 1, 2025. Levels are:
Pre Level (ages 5-6)
Level III (ages 11-12)
Level I (ages 7-8)
Level IV (ages 13-15)
Level II (ages 9-10)
Level V (ages 16-18)*New* Students must have studied with their current teacher for at least six months prior to the competition day and the teacher’s consent is required to compete in the competition.
String Divisions: Level IV and Level V will be divided into Violin and Low Strings (Viola, Cello, Bass). For Pre-Level to Level III, the strings will compete together. Winners will be selected separately for each division.
Students may not compete in both MTNA Performance Competitions and HSMC in the same year.
MTNA 2024 first place winners may not compete in 2025 HSMC.
First Place winners from the Hawaii State Music Competition are not eligible to compete again in the same age level.
If fewer than three (3) contestants are registered in any level, only one (1) judge will preside. The judge’s decision is final. Prizes will be awarded at the judge’s discretion. No cash prize will be awarded in Level V if there are fewer than 3 registrants.
For questions, please email: competitions@hmta.org