• Memorization is REQUIRED except in the case of challenging contemporary works.

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• 1 or 2 works for piano solo. No arrangements, abridgements, or transcriptions are accepted, with the exception of those which qualify as standard repertoire, e.g. transcriptions of Liszt, Busoni and others.

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• Individual movements of larger works such as sonatas or concertos are permitted. Concerto performances must include accompaniment. 

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• 1 piece from the past competition may be reused when submitting 2 pieces.

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• Repeats are at the participant's discretion.

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• Repertoire change is not allowed after the video has been submitted.

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• Submitted sheet music must have measures numbered.

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• Contact the Competition if clarification is needed. 

Without comments — $55 for all age categories

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With two adjudicators' comments:

• Up to 6 years old — $80

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• 7–9 years old — $80

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• 10–12 years old — $90

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• 13–14 years old — $90

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• 15–17 years old — $110

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• 18+ years old — $110

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• Final ratings are determined by the quality of the performances, as described in the Adjudication Process. The Competition retains the sole discretion and reserves the right to declare multiple winners or no winner in any division. Decisions made by the Competition are final and not open to review or challenge. Adjudicators' comments reflect personal opinions and may be presented anonymously.

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• Each Competitor will receive certificates and detailed comments (upon payment) from two adjudicators, which will be delivered via U.S. mail in approximately 4-6 weeks after the competition due. In the event that a Competitor does not receive their certificate within 6 weeks, the Competitor shall notify the Competition at BayAreaPiano33@gmail.com.

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• The possible designations on certificates are First, Second, Third, Honorable Mention, Merit, and Participation. Additional special prizes or designations may be awarded at the jury's discretion. Please see the FAQ for descriptions of the basic designations.

• Age is determined as of the competition registration due date.​

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• Up to 6 years old — 10 minutes​

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• 7–9 years old** — 10 minutes​

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• 10–12 years old — 12 minutes​

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• 13–14 years old — 12 minutes​

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• 15–17 years old — 15 minutes​

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• 18+ years old — 15 minutes

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• ** As this age category has been expanded in 2026 to include age 9, previous winners of the 7–8 age category may apply.

• Performance attire is REQUIRED. No sneakers, barefoot, jeans, sweatpants, t-shirts, mini skirt, etc. Tie and jacket are optional.

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• Videos should be in horizontal format with as high quality sound as possible.

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• Upload to YouTube, Vimeo, or another sharing platform and submit URLs only. Please ensure that your video is set to 'Unlisted' or 'Public.'

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• Each video selection must be recorded in a single take from a fixed camera angle, clearly showing hands, fingers, and both feet. The performer's entire body must be visible.

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• Different pieces, including individual movements of a sonata, may be in separate takes. Please Contact the Competition if clarification is needed.

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• Video and audio must be unedited and unaltered.

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• For further advice, please consult the Video Submission Page in addition to this short video by one of our adjudicators.

• Failure to adhere to one or more of the rules above will automatically remove the contestant from consideration for prizes.

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• All 1st, 2nd, 3rd place candidates must provide a high-quality performance head shot in addition to a photo ID for age verification.

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• Winners may be asked to provide original video files to the Competition for archival and publicity purposes.

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• 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners will be featured on the Competition website with their full names, photos, teachers' names, and performance videos selected by the Competition. Videos may additionally be published on the official Competition YouTube and social media pages. Winners may send new videos if approved by the Competition Directors.

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• Previous awards for winners have totaled over $1000 each edition. The prize amount for the upcoming competition will be determined and published shortly. 

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• Masterclasses will be offered to winners selected by the adjudicators and/or the guest artist(s).