​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The CIVIC MUSIC MKE High School Competition is a well-regarded Milwaukee competition for accomplished high school age musicians. Musicians compete for the opportunity to perform on the Showcase Recital and to be one of four musicians to receive a total of $1,500 in Young Artist Scholarships. Applications for the 2026-27 season will be available September 1.    

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Thank you to our esteemed panels of judges!

2026 COMPETITION JUDGES:

INSTRUMENTAL:

James Ripley, director of instrumental music activities, Carthage College, music director, Waukesha Area Symphonic Band, principal guest conductor, Sakuyo Wind Orchestra, Sakuyo University, Kurashiki, Japan

Jun Kim, Director, Orchestral Activities, Symphony Orchestra, University Community Orchestra, UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts

Dr. Eunice Kim, critically-acclaimed collaborative pianist, chamber musician, and music educator

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VOCAL:

Matthew Markham, Professor – Voice, Voice Area Coordinator, UW-Stevens Point

Chelsea Betz, mezzo soprano, private voice instructor

               

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AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES​

• Showcase Recital Performance Opportunity
  Up to ten top classical performers from Audition Day are invited to perform in recital.
  Each performer earns a $250 performance award. (Musicians must perform in the recital to receive the award). 

• Young Artist Scholarships: for classical instrumentalists and vocalists
  $1,500 in scholarships is distributed to up to four musicians based on the judge's decisions.

• Additional Recital Performance Opportunity

      Recital performers may have the opportunity to perform on another recital being planned.

      Date, time and venue will be made available at a future date. 

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AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

• Eligibility:

  Open to high school vocal and instrumental students in grades 10-12 who live in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Washington or Racine County performing at or above WSMA Class A. While your piece must be at this level, it need not be on their actual list. Those who have received a Young Artist Scholarship in two consecutive years will be ineligible for a third scholarship. (They remain eligible to audition and perform on the Showcase Recital if selected.)

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HOW TO APPLY:

• Online application opens September 1 and closes after Dec. 15.  

• Application Fee: $40.00 (non-refundable). 

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​Please feel free to email info@civicmusicmilwaukee.org with any questions.