Rules & REgulations  

 
1. Eligibility

• This competition is open to musicians of all ages and nationalities.
• All instruments, voice (including musical theatre), and composition categories are accepted.
• Participants at all stages of musical development are welcome — from first-time competitors to highly experienced performers.

2. Repertoire

• Free choice of repertoire is encouraged.
  • Each application allows for the submission of one musical work.
    This may be either:
    ​One complete piece in a single-movement form, or
    One movement from a larger multi-movement work, such as a sonata or concerto.
• Participants may select pieces that:
  • Align with their current level of study.
  • Showcase their strengths and musicality.
• Acceptable repertoire includes, but is not limited to, pieces from recognized music examination systems such as:
  • Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) – Canada
  • Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) – UK
  • Trinity College London Music Examinations – UK
  • Grand Maestro International Music Examinations
  • Con Brio Examinations – Australia
  • Central Conservatory of Music (中央音乐学院 – CCOM) – China
  • Shanghai Conservatory of Music (上海音乐学院 – SCM) – China
  • Chinese Musicians Association Graded Exams (中国音协考级) – China
  • People's Music Publishing House (人民音乐出版社 – PMPH) – China
  • China Conservatory of Music (中国音乐学院 – CCM) – China
  • Other internationally recognized examination system

 
3. Musical  Genres:

• We welcome all genres of music, including classical, contemporary, jazz, pop, traditional and ethnic styles.
• The competition is open to participants of all ages, with no age restrictions.

4. Instruments

• All instruments and musical disciplines are welcome, including but not limited to:
  • Piano / Organ / Harpsichord / Keyboard
  • Strings
  • ​Harp
  • Woodwinds
  • Brass
  • Percussion
  • Voice
  • Electronic music
  • Traditional and ethnic instruments

• All musical genres are accepted,  including
  • Classical
  • Jazz
  • Contemporary
  • Pop
  • Ethnic and traditional music
• We also invite entries in:
  • Composition / Music Arrangement
  • Musical theatre
  • Improvisation
  • Song covers (Solo & Ensemble)
• We accept the following performance formats:
  • Solo
  • Duo 
  • Concerto
  • Trio
  • Quartet
  • Quintet
  • Small ensembles
  • Choirs
  • Orchestras

 
5. Single-Round Format

This competition consists of one round only. All performances are evaluated based on a single submission — no further rounds or eliminations.
Participants are encouraged to present their best work in this round, as it will serve as the sole basis for adjudication.

6. Competition Schedule 

• One Round per session - Held Twice Annually

​
​🗓️  End of Year Session (2025 Winter Edition) - OPEN FOR APPLICATION NOW!

• Deadline: 31 December 2025 (Extended to 12 January 2026)
• Results Announcement: 25 January 2026
• Participants may choose either session — or take part in both.

 

• 🗓️  Mid-Year Session (2026 Summer Edition)
• Deadline: 30 June 2026
• Results Announcement: 25 July 2026

7.  Performance Video Submission

• Video recordings must be unedited and recorded in a single take.
• The performer’s face and hands should be clearly visible throughout the performance.
• Pre-recorded videos are permitted, including those originally recorded for concerts, studio recitals, music examinations, or previously submitted to other music competitions.
• Accompaniment is optional; participants may perform solo or with accompaniment as appropriate for their chosen piece.
• Videos should be recent, recorded within six months prior to submission.
• Submission format: Provide a public or unlisted link to your performance video hosted on platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo. Please note that we do not accept submissions that require file downloads.

8. Evaluation Criteria

• Performances will be assessed based on:
  • Technical proficiency appropriate to the participant's level.
  • Musical expression and interpretation.
  • Overall presentation and commitment to the performance.
• Judges will consider the participant’s age, duration of study, and chosen repertoire level to ensure a fair and balanced evaluation.

9. Awards and Recognition

• All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
• Top performers may be awarded medals or trophies, recognizing their achievement and dedication.
  • Absolute ​Platinum Award  (Score of 98% or above)
  • Platinum Award (Score of 95 - 97)
  • Gold Award (Score of 90 - 94)
  • Silver Award (Score of 85 - 89)
  • Bronze Award  (Score of 80-84)
  • Honorable Mention (Score of 75-79)
  • Participation Acknowledgement (Score less than 75)
• Certificates, medals, trophies, masterclass opportunities may be given for outstanding performances in specific categories and age groups.
• Top-ranking winners may be selected for highlights in international news media and online publications, providing added visibility and recognition.
• Selected winners will be featured in our special YouTube interviews,  offering them the opportunity to share their musical journey, inspirations, and personal growth with a global audience.
• Winners’ biographies will be published on our website, offering lasting recognition of their accomplishments and dedication.
• Top winners will be showcased in our official online Winners’ Concert, providing international exposure and celebration of their achievement.

​10. Transcripts for Long-Term Participants

• A formal transcript will be available upon request for winners who have participated in a total of six sessions.
• Participants who join the competition twice per year will be eligible to receive their transcript within 3 years.

• This document serves as an official record of achievement and participation, and is intended for academic or professional reference.

11. Teachers' Awards & Certificates

• Teachers whose students are awarded in this competition will be recognized as Outstanding Music Educators, in celebration of their vital role in mentoring, guiding, and inspiring young musicians.
• Those who submit more than six students will be inducted into our Hall of Fame for Dedicated Music Teachers, honoring their unwavering commitment to nurturing musical development and motivating students to grow through performance.
• Furthermore, every participating teacher will receive a Certificate of Recognition, acknowledging their passion, dedication, and significant contribution to the field of music education.

12. Application Process

• Complete the online application form, following the 3 steps in the order as prescribed
• Submit the performance video link in your application form as specified. Please note that we do not accept any video links sent via email. All video links must be attached to the application form.
• Pay the applicable registration fee as outlined on the application page.
• Ensure all submissions are made before the stated deadline.
• Late applicants are subject to a late fee for applications made after the official deadline.

13. Application Fees

• 2025 Winter Edition
• Application Deadline: EXTENDED TO 12 January 2026
• Fee Structure
• Solo Category: $145 USD
  Duo Category: $290 USD
• Fee Structure for Ensemble: Please visit our Application Payment Page
  
  

Fees for trios, quartets, and larger ensembles are structured separately.
For full details, please refer to the official Application Fees & Submission Page.

14. General Guidelines

• Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for their performance, reflecting the formal nature of the competition.
• By submitting an application, participants agree to abide by all rules and decisions made by the competition organizers and judges.
• The competition reserves the right to use submitted videos and participant information for promotional purposes, with proper credit given.

15. Terms of Participation

• All participants are required to comply with the competition’s rules, regulations, and deadlines. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• By submitting an application, participants agree to:
  • ​Follow all published guidelines and requirements
  • All jury decisions are final and cannot be appealed or contested
  • Complete all forms accurately and in full.  
  • Submit the correct materials and pay the application fee by the stated deadline
  • Incomplete applications or submission of incorrect or misleading materials may result in disqualification.
  • Any individual who knowingly submits a false or fabricated order number will be immediately disqualified and permanently banned from all future competitions.
  • Please note that all fees are non-refundable, under any circumstance.
  • Submission of an application constitutes full acceptance of these terms.​​