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Research Competition

2026 Research Competition

The ICA solicits proposals for presentations (such as papers or lecture-recitals) on any topic related to the clarinet. The use of live or recorded performance is acceptable; however, presentations whose sole aim is performance should instead submit to the separate ClarinetFest call for performances. Presentations will be no more than 25 minutes in length. Those giving presentations must be ICA members and must register for the 2026 conference in Incheon, South Korea.

Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:

    1. Suitability for publication in The Clarinet journal
      Purpose of research: purpose of research clearly articulated
    2. Applicability: Research has application to larger clarinet community
    3. Innovation: quality of sources cited; amount of original research; what new contribution this research adds to the knowledge of the clarinet

To submit a proposal, prepare the following:

  1. Application fee: $35 US. via credit card using this link: https://clarinet.wildapricot.org/event-6349180
    The application fee is non-refundable. All applicants must be members of the ICA and submit the Competition Application. Non-members wishing to apply may join the ICA and become a member.
  2. Competition Application (via Google Form), which includes 
    1. Identifying information
      1. author’s name
      2. address
      3. phone number(s)
      4. email address
      5. brief biography (150 words) 
      6. presentation title
      7. all equipment needs for the proposed presentation
    2. An abstract (250-500 words) fully describing the content of the proposed paper or lecture-recital. 
      1. Include a complete list of sources. 
      2. The name or identification of the author must not appear on the proposal. 
    3. Up to three (3) additional supporting materials (such as images/recordings/scores/etc.) 

Submit the above materials by April 1, 2026. Please submit via Google Form: https://forms.gle/hShcWuQPcAHiB9Dt5

The Abstract should be anonymous and uploaded as a separate PDF file. Note that only PDF format will be accepted.

Eligibility: Applicants must be able to attend ClarinetFest® 2026 to present in the final competition. Finalists from 2025 are ineligible for 2026. Each person is limited to one proposal. 

Prizes:

First place paper, US $1000 and guaranteed publication in The Clarinet journal (subject to editing)

Second place paper, US $500.

Disclaimer: The International Clarinet Association assumes no tax liability that competition winners may incur through receiving prize money. Individuals are responsible for investigating applicable tax laws and reporting prize winnings to requisite government agencies. In accordance with U.S. tax law, a 30% tax on the total amount of prize winnings will be withheld and submitted to the United States Internal Revenue Service if the winner is a non-U.S. resident. Prize money will be given in the form of a U.S. check, wire transfer, or an electronic PayPal transfer. PayPal transfers must be requested prior to the final awards ceremony on the final evening of ClarinetFest®. Please note that the ICA is not responsible for fees incurred by PayPal and wire transfers. Please check with your banking institution regarding wire transfer fees prior to requesting this option.

For questions about the ICA Research Competition, please contact Research Competition Coordinator Madelyn Moore ([email protected]).

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