GENIUS Olympiad Music 2025

Music has always had the power to move, inspire, and evoke emotions. Throughout history, from Homer’s epic poetry to contemporary artists, music has served as a universal language for communicating ideas, telling stories, and calling people to action. In the modern world, the GENIUS Music Olympiad offers a unique platform where student musicians can harness the power of music to raise awareness about one of the most pressing issues of our time: the environment.

The GENIUS Music Olympiad invites young artists to perform, compose, and share their musical talents in a competition that not only celebrates creativity but also highlights the importance of environmental sustainability. This year, the GENIUS Music Olympiad will provide a stage for students to connect with their audiences on a deeply emotional level through performances that communicate the urgency of protecting our planet.

What is GENIUS Music Olympiad?

The GENIUS Music Olympiad combines artistic expression with social responsibility, encouraging students to use their musical abilities to inspire positive change. Whether through a solo performance, a group collaboration, or a vocal showcase, each piece must relate to environmental themes and aim to make the audience reflect on the state of the world’s environment. The competition brings together students from around the globe, providing them with an opportunity to share their passion for music and the environment with a global audience.

Competition Categories

The GENIUS Music Olympiad offers a variety of performance categories that allow students to showcase their musical talents. Here’s an overview of the categories:

1. Music | Solo Performance

• In the Solo Performance category, students perform a musical piece either on an instrument or with their voice. Solo performers can play live or sing and play their instrument simultaneously.
• Environmental Tie-In: The performance must have a connection to the environment. Students can perform an original composition or an existing piece that references environmental themes.
• Artist Statement: Before performing, students are required to read an Artist Statement explaining how their piece connects to environmental issues.
• Encouragement: Students are encouraged to showcase their cultural instruments and integrate traditional sounds into their performances.

Example: Check out this solo performance featuring an environmental theme.

2. Music | Group Performance

• The Group Performance category allows up to three students to collaborate and perform a piece of music. It could be a band or ensemble performance, combining various instruments and voices to convey the message of environmental sustainability.
• Environmental Tie-In: As with solo performances, the group piece should be tied to an environmental issue and should make a meaningful statement.
• Artist Statement: The group will also need to provide a statement explaining how their performance addresses the environment.

Example: Here’s an example of a group performance focused on environmental awareness.

3. Music | Singer

• In the Singer category, students perform a song that they have either written themselves or chosen from existing compositions. This category emphasizes vocal talent and artistic expression, with the music either performed live or played back.
• Environmental Tie-In: The song must reflect environmental themes. It can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring others through lyrics and melody.
• Artist Statement: Like other categories, singers must provide an Artist Statement explaining how the song connects to environmental concerns.

GENIUS Music Olympiad: Application Rules

To apply for the GENIUS Music Olympiad, you must follow these guidelines:

1. Eligibility:

   • Solo Performance: Open to one student only.
   • Group Performance: Open to a group of up to three students.
   • Singer: Open to one student only.

2. Application Requirements:

   • Artist Statement: A 500-word statement that describes the connection between your musical piece and the environment. This statement should be clear and compelling, explaining why this performance matters in the context of environmental issues.
   • Score and Video: You must submit a well-produced video of your performance. The video must be uploaded to YouTube with the title format:
     "GENIUS Olympiad - YEAR: [Title of Your Project]".
   • File Naming: The artist statement file name should be: Country_Projectname_Statement and must be uploaded in PDF or Word format.
   • Performance Video: Ensure the video quality is high, showcasing your performance in its entirety. The YouTube link must be submitted as part of the application.
   • File Size: Ensure your file names are under 25 characters and in English characters.

3. Artist Statement:

   • Your statement should describe how your performance reflects an environmental issue, and the impact you hope your music will have on the audience.
   • The statement must be written in English, even if the piece is in another language.
   • The statement will be read aloud before your performance at the event.

What to Expect at the Fair

• Musical Instruments: Students are highly encouraged to bring their own instruments. The judging room will have the necessary audio and video playback capabilities.
• Performance Setup: For group performances, ensure all your equipment is pre-set and ready for the judges.
• Artist Statement: You will be allowed 1-2 minutes to introduce your piece and explain its environmental relevance before performing.
• Technical Equipment: The competition will provide standard 110V outlets for any electronic equipment. If you need a different voltage, please make arrangements accordingly.
• Materials: Students should bring printed copies of their Artist Statement and score (if applicable) along with a digital copy of the performance video.
• Judging Room: The judging room is open to the public during the performance evaluations, and only the students who participate will be recognized with awards if the project wins.

GENIUS Music Olympiad: Judging Criteria

The judges will assess performances based on the following criteria:

1. Foundations:

   • Accuracy and execution of notes, rhythms, and dynamics.
   • Quality of tonal sound/timbre and fidelity to the provided score (if applicable).

2. Artistic Merit:

   • Emotional commitment and efficacy: Does the performance convey emotion and connect with the audience?
   • Balance, phrasing, and overall musicality.

3. Relevance:

   • Clarity and quality of the Artist Statement.
   • The connection of the piece to environmental issues: How well does the performance communicate environmental awareness or urgency?

Why Participate in the GENIUS Music Olympiad?

Participating in the GENIUS Music Olympiad is an incredible opportunity for students to:

• Raise Awareness: Use the universal language of music to inspire others to take action on environmental issues.
• Showcase Talent: Perform in front of a global audience and be recognized for your musical skill and creativity.
• Develop Artistically: Enhance your musical abilities and connect with other passionate artists who share your concern for the environment.
• Gain Recognition: Stand out in the global community for your commitment to both music and environmental sustainability, opening doors to future opportunities.
• Make a Difference: Your music can play a pivotal role in spreading awareness and motivating change for a better, more sustainable future.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: March 1st, 2024 (11:59 PM US EST)
  • $50 application fee per project.
• US/EU Participants Deadline: April 16th, 2024
• The GENIUS Music Olympiad event will take place during the GENIUS Olympiad Fair.

How to Register

Visit the GENIUS Olympiad website to register your music project. Make sure to submit all materials, including the Artist Statement and YouTube video link, before the application deadline.

Register Here: GENIUS Olympiad Registration

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