The essential goal of ABC is to make entering the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition and the Barry Alexander International Vocal Competition as cost-effective as possible.

In other competitions, contestants often have to incur travel and hotel expenses without knowing whether they are going to receive one of the monetary awards offered. By contrast, ABC is designed so that contestants will be able to enter by submitting performances on cassette, CD or DVD. A committee of judges reviews the submissions and chooses winners, who are then notified by mail. Several winners are chosen from different categories, and then asked to perform at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall as the First Prize.

ABC is currently financed through the application fees submitted by the contestants, as well as funds raised from The ABC Gala. These cover administrative costs, management of the web sites, operating expenses, and "The Business of Music" seminar.