A Special Awards Program · 2026

Story Behind My Music.

A competition is not only about performance. Share the story of what music means to you, and be recognized for it, independent of your performance results.

Open to every Veritas entrant, at any age and in any division: Student, Young Artist, Artist, and Adult Amateur. Every story matters.

Deadline · November 10, 2026 · 11:59 PM ET

Participant
Story Behind My Music is open to participants who have registered for the Veritas International Music Competition. Please use the same name and email as your competition registration.
From your Veritas confirmation email. It helps us match your story to your entry.
In English letters, as on your competition registration.
Same as your competition registration. Your confirmation is sent here.
As registered in the competition.
The same division as your competition entry.
Are you 18 or older? *
Your Story
Submission Format *
Share your own story about music. There is no required topic, and any story is welcome.

What first brought you to music. What music means in your life. The piece you are performing and why you chose it. A small moment in the practice room. A memory with your teacher. Music and family. Friends you found through music. Who you discovered through music. Your cultural identity and your music. The piece you love most. The musician you dream of becoming. A specific dream you want to reach through music.

Pick one, weave several together, or tell something completely different.
Awards

The Hai-Kyung Suh Award

Pianist Hai-Kyung Suh is a first-generation master who overcame the trials that repeatedly forced her to stop performing, the arm paralysis following her 1980 competition victory and her illness in 2006, through her enduring love of music, and returned to the stage. Because she most deeply embodies the spirit of Story Behind My Music, her name has been given to this program's highest honor. This award is not reserved only for stories of overcoming hardship. It honors Hai-Kyung Suh's love of music itself, so any story, about any music, is eligible without restriction.

Crescendo Award
"growing louder"
A story of growth
Cantabile Award
"in a singing style"
A lyrical story
Espressivo Award
"with expression"
A story of feeling
Dolce Award
"sweetly, tenderly"
A tender story
Entry Fee
The Story Behind My Music entry fee is separate from the competition entry fee. If you choose card, you are taken to the secure payment page as soon as you submit this form. For Zelle and Venmo, please write the participant's name and "Story Behind My Music" in the payment memo.
Zelle
info@youthhonorsusa.org
$65 no fee
Venmo
@YouthHonorUSA
$70 fee included
Card
Secure checkout by Stripe. Opens after you submit.
$75 fee included
Card checkout accepts credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Payers outside the U.S. may see the amount in their local currency.
Agreement
  1. The story submitted is truthful and the original work of the participant.
  2. Submissions are reviewed by the judging committee, and results are communicated separately.
  3. Selected stories may be featured at the Winners' Concert at Weill Recital Hall or shared on official channels.
  4. Copyright of all submitted content (essays, videos, audio, drawings, photos, and so on) remains with the participant. The program retains a non-exclusive license to use such content for judging, recognition, and program-related promotional purposes.
  5. The $65 entry fee ($70 via Venmo, $75 via card) is non-refundable.
  6. Performance awards and Story Behind My Music awards are entirely independent.
  7. The judging committee may award fewer honors, or none in certain categories, based on the number and quality of submissions.
Participant Pledge"This is my own true story, told in my own words."
A parent may type it for younger students.

A confirmation email is sent to you right away. Questions: info@veritascompetition.org