Celebrating 20 Years & 40 Competitions
Encouraging excellence in the arts
Since 2004, SIYAO has provided the opportunity for young artists to compete in annual vocal and instrumental competitions in the St. Louis metro-east area.
Competitors receive feedback on their performance from music professionals and the chance to win generous monetary prizes ranging from $250 - $1000.
Each competition is limited to 30 participants. Competitors must be between the ages of twenty and thirty years of age on the date of the competition.
"Thank you very much for the opportunity to perform at the the 2018 competition! I had a great experience and enjoyed the performance."
~ Joanne Chang
Announcing the return to live competitions!
We are pleased to announce the return to live competitions in the Spring of 2026 for ages 20 - 30 years. There will be no competitions held in the spring of 2025.
In support of our younger artists, we are thrilled to announce an additional competition for students 18 years and under to be held in the fall of 2025.
2024 Results
The SIYAO Board of Directors would like to thank all contestants for a very successful competition.
The judges were most impressed with the extraordinary level of performance this year and wish to congratulate all participants, especially during the pandemic. They wish to encourage you to continue in your pursuit of instrumental artistry and musicianship.
Danielle Long
Congratulations
2024 Vocal Winners!
1st Place:
Danielle Long, Mezzo Soprano, Jacobs School of Music
2nd Place:
Mikayla Liu, Soprano, Cleveland Institute of Music
Tied for 3rd Place:
Caitlin Towell, Soprano, University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign
Ian Pathak, Tenor, University of Michigan
Honorable Mention:
Grace Touhill, Soprano, The Peabody Institute of Music at Johns Hopkins University
Caroline Friend, Mezzo Soprano, Cleveland Institute of Music
Mikayla Liu
Caitlin Towell
Ian Pathak
Grace Touhill
Caroline Friend
Josephine Stockwell
Congratulations
2024 Instrumental Winners!
1st Place
Josephine Stockwell, Viola, Indiana University
2nd Place
Jiani Wu, Piano, University of Michigan
3rd Place
Brian Choy, Double Bass New England Conservatory
Honorable Mention
Aiden Ervin, Percussion Truman State University
Jung ah Lee, Cello, New England Conservatory
Jonah Kartman, Violin, DePaul School of Music
Jiani Wu
Brian Choy
Aidan Ervin
Jung ah Lee
Jonah Kartman
Competition Photos
Support SIYAO
Founded in 2003, SIYAO is a publicly funded organization and depends on the financial generosity of music lovers to provide these opportunities to young performers striving to refine their skills. Your contribution and support of our mission is greatly appreciated by the organization and by the competitors.