About Us
Crescendo International Music Competition is a non-profit organization registered in the USA under IRS code 501(c)(3) which operates exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. Crescendo Competitions is staffed by a group of enthusiastic volunteers, concert musicians, teachers and professors. We believe that music is a universal language and proudly welcome a diverse group of participants from North and South America, Asia, Europe and Australia.
Our mission is to inspire individuals to pursue their passion for music through involvement in competitions, master classes and other educational programs. Crescendo’s vision of placing performers at the center of the process distinguishes us from other music competitions. Our objective is not simply to select the best musicians, but to reward those who demonstrate a passion for music and show considerable progress, talent and unwavering dedication. We are driven by the belief that music is one of the greatest gifts, and are proud to be one of the few organizations which support children with disabilities.
Our competitions allow performers to maximize their potential, and serve as a professional setting for aspiring musicians to showcase their talents at prestigious concert halls worldwide. Performers are also presented with an invaluable opportunity to interact with other musicians and learn essential life lessons such as having the confidence to get back up after stumbling. In addition, qualifying performers may be eligible to earn a monetary reward, and we are proud to announce that the total reward fund for the 2019 calendar year was raised over $50,000.00 USD.
As Founder and President of Crescendo Competitions, Dr. Alex Babayev is an established composer and concert pianist. He is extremely passionate about spreading his knowledge of music and believes that all are capable of appreciating this beautiful art form. Dr. Babayev enjoys building community bonds and appreciates everyone for their personal qualities and not just as musicians. One of Dr. Babayev’s most valuable possessions is an album containing letters from parents and students expressing their gratitude for sharing the love of music and helping enrich their lives.
Crescendo proudly hosts two music competitions every year:
1. Little Mozarts Music Competition (ages 3-14)
2. Crescendo International Music Competition (ages 5-22)
1st and 2nd place Winner’s Recitals are held at Carnegie Hall.
Visa services are provided to contestants and their families, accompanists and teachers when necessary.
Both competitions are open to all instrumentalists including but not limited to: piano, ensembles, strings and winds, vocalists, classical guitar, drums and folk instruments (i.e guqin, liuqin and balalaika).
Of the various educational programs offered by Crescendo Competitions, the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) is the most popular. Those enrolled in the ISEP have a unique opportunity to network with other musicians, attend lectures and master classes, and perform in recitals alongside students from the most prestigious music schools worldwide. To date, the ISEP has performed in Canada, Germany and many other countries. To learn more about previous trips and performances, please visit our website.
Guiding young individuals as they explore and develop musical talent is a long term process which requires constant support and encouragement. Helping students undertake difficult tasks and witnessing them exceed their own expectations provides unparalleled satisfaction. It is his life’s goal to inspire and motivate rising musicians, and believes that this type of dedication and discipline builds character and develops tools that will guide children through adulthood.
Since our first event held in 2007, Crescendo Competitions and its performers have displayed a tremendous amount of growth. We are proud to have received an excess of 5,000 applications and hosted 20 Winner’s Recitals in 2022. As the name suggests, Crescendo Competitions is gradually growing louder and stronger.