WMA Soloist Prize 2026
Sat 28 Feb 2026
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Burntwood School, Burntwood Lane, SW17 0AQ
Wandsworth Music Academy Soloist Prize 2026
Dear Wandsworth Music Academy musicians,
We are writing with the exciting news that we will be opening applications for the new Wandsworth Music Academy Soloist Prize 2026.
The WMA Soloist Prize is now solely for players attending the Wandsworth Music Academy. Pupils will apply to compete for the following age categories, of which there will be two live finals;
Junior Category – Age 12* and under – minimum grade 3 standard
Senior Category – Age 13* plus– minimum grade 5 standard
*on 28th February 2026
Initial round application is via the following Application Form and Preliminary Round Video submission. Please ensure you read the form carefully and complete this in full. Uploaded videos should have good visual and audio quality and should show the performer in full.
Preliminary Round Videos are limited to one piece.
10 performers will be chosen to compete in our live Final Concert, which will take place on Saturday the 28th of February 2026 at 12.30-2pm, Burntwood School.
How to apply
To apply to compete in our Preliminary Round, please complete this online Application Form and upload your performance video here. The application deadline is 12am on Saturday 31st January.
The Soloist Prize Final Concert
Burntwood School, Saturday 28th February 2026, 12.30-2pm
10 chosen finalists will play to a WMA audience of family, friends and esteemed individuals in the Soloists Prize Final at Burntwood School on Saturday 28th of February, 12.30-2pm.
Finalists in the Junior category are asked to play two contrasting pieces, no longer than 5 minutes stage time. Finalists in the Senior Category can play a programme of their own choice of up to 10 minutes. We ask finalists to think about the performance as a whole. This includes thinking about presentation, and engaging with the audience. Examples of this could be introducing your pieces, bowing at the beginning and end of pieces.
There will be two winners, one from each category, each awarded a Trophy and a £50 prize voucher to put towards their musical studies. The finalists will also each be invited to perform in future external concert opportunities with Wandsworth Music, the Kensington and Chelsea Music Society and St Luke’s Battersea.
The performances will be judged by a panel of guest judges (to be announced in due course).
An accompanist will be booked for the finalists and will be available for a short rehearsal from 10am on the day of the concert. Parents and finalists can choose to bring their own accompanist should they wish.
We very much look forward to hearing from you and would like to encourage your child to apply to compete and showcase their skills, in what promises to be a very rewarding and exciting event!
With best wishes,
The Wandsworth Music Team