The American Prize is judged solely through recorded performances, and consequently there is no live competition. The Competition considers each application, selects and notifies semi-finalists, finalists and winners, according to the timetable published for each event.

The competitions of The American Prize are open to all U.S. citizens, whether living in this country or abroad, and to others currently living, working and/or studying in the United States of America, its protectorates and territories. Eligibility is categorized by discipline (i.e. choral music, orchestral music, vocal performance, etc.), by type of organization (school, community, church, professional) or, for individual awards, by performance level (i.e. amateur, student, professional).

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