The Bella Music Foundation has announced the schedule for its 2026 International Music Competition for blind and visually impaired musicians.

The competition is open to solo classical and jazz instrumentalists, vocalists and composers of any nationality. The Junior Division for classical musicians covers ages 10 to 14. The Young Artist Division for classical and jazz covers ages 15 to 20, and the Emerging Artist Division for classical and jazz covers ages 21 to 30.

The preliminary round is a recorded video audition of 3 to 15 minutes, filmed in one unedited take within six months of the application date. The contestant’s face and hands must remain visible throughout. Finalists will be notified by email and announced on the foundation’s website on Oct. 12.

The final round takes place by live Zoom audition from Oct. 15 to 19. The foundation assigns audition times, and finalists must join at least 10 minutes early. Those requiring accompaniment must use a live accompanist. The foundation may record the auditions for judging and archival purposes, and unauthorized recording or broadcasting is prohibited. Failure to appear may result in disqualification. Winners will be notified by email and announced on the website on Oct. 22.

The jury will be appointed by the foundation, and all judging is confidential. Jury decisions are final, and the jury may withhold prizes if the required artistic standard is not met. The foundation also reserves the right to interpret and amend the regulations.

Total cash awards come to $10,000. First Prize winners receive between $500 and $2,000 depending on division and category, and Second Prize winners receive between $300 and $1,000. Each First Prize winner also receives either the GoodFeel suite or Lime Lighter Liberty from Dancing Dots, depending on individual needs.

First Prize winners are required to perform at the Finale Concert of the 2026 Bella Music Foundation National Concert Tour Series on Dec. 6 at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Failure to participate may result in forfeiture of the prize except in serious and unavoidable circumstances. Second Prize winners may be invited at the discretion of the jury and the foundation, and participation is optional for them. Participants cover their own travel, lodging and other expenses, though the foundation may provide partial travel assistance if funding becomes available.