The Music School of the Year Competition is an exciting event created to celebrate the achievements of music schools of all sizes. This independently hosted competition recognizes schools for their innovation, culture, and impact, providing a platform for growth and recognition.

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Innovation: Unique teaching methods and creative solutions.
• Culture: A positive and inspiring environment for students and staff.
• Student Engagement: Strategies that keep students excited and involved.
• Community Impact: Contributions that benefit your local community.
• Growth: Evidence of student, financial, or operational expansion.
  Judges will assess how your school demonstrates these qualities through your video and application.

• The competition is open to all music school owners who meet the entry criteria, regardless of their size or location.
• You must be the owner/director of a Music Academy, Music Studio, Music Teaching Business.
• You must be able to back up your claims as needed.
• Unfortunately only primarily English speaking entries can be processed.
• Participants must be 18 years or older. 
• Only one submission is permitted per Music Teaching Business. You are welcome to submit with a business partner however the prize is for only 1 ticket per category.

To enter:

1. Submit Your Entry Fee
   Submit your $50 USD entry fee on this secure checkout page to complete your application. This fee helps us focus on dedicated participants and maintain the high standards needed to deliver a world-class competition with amazing prizes. 
2. Fill Out the Application
   Complete the full application process by sharing details about your school in written & video form. Communicate what you love about your school, why it means so much to you and what makes it exceptional!
3. Provide us with due diligence
   In the second round, our expert judges will reach out for verification to ensure a fair and transparent competition.
4. Wait to hear if you are a finalist & winner!

You can compete in one of these categories:

• The ‘Build a Music School’ Emerging Innovators Award (0-100 students)
• The ‘One Music School’ Business Breakthrough Award [100-500 students]
• The ‘Opus1.io’ Enterprise Excellence Award (500+ students)

Each category is designed to highlight schools based on their size and unique accomplishments. 

Your video answers should:

• Tell your school’s story.
• Highlight your achievements in innovation, culture, student engagement, community impact, and growth.
  Keep it authentic—this is your chance to shine!

As part of the application form, you will be asked video questions which you will film a response to.  The link to the application form is emailed to you upon receiving your submission fee.

No, each school can only compete in one category as they are based on how many students you have. Pick the category that best fits your size.

The entry fee is $50USD. This fee helps us focus on dedicated participants and maintain the high standards needed to deliver a world-class competition with amazing prizes. It is non-refundable.

All entries must be submitted by January 15th, 2025. Don’t wait—submit early to secure your spot!

The judging panel will consist of representatives from the event’s sponsors: One Music Schools, Opus1.io, Practice Space, and Build a Music School. These sponsors bring years of industry expertise to ensure a fair and thoughtful evaluation of each entry.

Each category winner will receive:

• One ticket to an all-inclusive resort in Cancun for the 'Build a Music School' Conference on March 30th -April 4th, 2025, where you’ll network with other music school owners.
• A National School of the Year Digital Badge to showcase your achievement.
   

Additional benefits for all participants include:

• One entry into the Practice Space Sweepstake (All-in Draw for all participants) 
• Chance to win one of the following Recognition Awards...
  • The Trailblazing Teaching Award
  • The Vibe Maker Award [for inspiring school culture]
  • The Student Spark Award [for creative student engagement]
  • The Heart of the Community Award
  • The Big Leaps Award [for business growth]
• Exclusive Ticket to the Awards Ceremony [Online Event]

PLUS Instant Access to the following Resources from one of our Industry Leading Sponsors 

• The 'Studio Profit Formula' Course {$297}
  The exact formula used to fix hundreds of unprofitable music school FAST
• 25 Marketing Secrets that actually work {$197}
• Maximize Summer Camps : The Complete Guide {$1997}

We will email you if you have made it to round 2 to proceed with due diligence.  Overall winners will be announced at a live event after the judging process is complete. You’ll receive details about the event and how to attend via email.

Winning schools will be featured across the sponsers platforms, and will receive their digital certificates and badges. Winners will also work with us to plan their trip to Cancun for the Music School Owners Conference that runs on March 30th-April 4th, 2025 at an all-inclusive resort.