Frequently asked questions
If the answer you need is not here, write to us and we will add it.
Who can enter?
Anyone, of any nationality and any age. There is no upper age limit, no requirement to be a student, and no nomination. Entrants under eighteen are registered by a parent or guardian.
What do I submit?
One YouTube link — public or unlisted, not private — of a performance between five and twelve minutes. Free repertoire, one continuous take per work, recorded within the last twelve months.
Does the video need to be professionally recorded?
No. Recording and video quality carry no points at all, and the rubric is written so that a juror cannot reward them. A phone recording of a fine performance outranks a studio recording of a dull one.
Can I play with an accompanist?
Yes. Live accompaniment is permitted and the accompanist is named on your entry. They are not assessed and are not eligible for the award. Backing tracks are not permitted.
Do I need to play from memory?
No.
Who will hear my entry?
Three specialists in your instrument, named on the Prize page before entries open. All three hear every eligible entry in full and score it independently. There is no pre-screening panel.
Is the judging anonymous?
No, and we will not describe it as such — a video shows a face. What we do is withhold your name, country, teacher and institution from each juror until that juror has submitted their scores, so the playing reaches them first.
What do I get if I do not win?
Your scores. Every entrant receives their combined score on each of the five criteria and their total out of 300, privately, on the results date. The assessment is what the fee buys.
Why does the price change?
The fee rises on fixed dates published before entries open. It is a calendar, not an offer: there is no discount code, no promotion and no countdown that resets. Enter early and you pay less.
Can I change my entry after paying?
Yes, until entries close. A link emailed to you lets you correct your submission URL, repertoire and contact details. The Prize, the fee paid and the performer cannot be changed.
Can I get a refund?
Entry fees are non-refundable once paid, with three exceptions: we cancel the edition, two or more jurors withdraw from your entry, or your link is unusable at lock despite our correction process. See the refund policy.
Is the award really guaranteed?
Yes. $500 is committed before entries open and is paid to one winner regardless of how many people enter. It is not funded out of entry fees.
Will my entry be made public?
Only if you win. Non-winning entries are never published and non-winning entrants are never named.
How many Prizes can I enter?
One entry per Prize, but you may enter as many of the four Prizes as you are eligible for.
Anything else: get in touch.