🎹 General Competition Overview

• Format: The competition offers both In-Person (annual summer event) and Digital (online) tracks.

• Eligibility: Open to musicians up to age 22. The participant's age is determined as of January 1st of the current year.

• Awards: First, Second, Third, and Honorable Mention prizes are awarded in each category. All participants receive a PDF certificate and a digital report card with average scores and judges' comments.

• Inclusive Repertoire: All genres, styles, and forms of music-making are welcome to ensure a fair opportunity for all musicians.

📝 Application & Registration

• Submission: Applications are completed online. For digital entries, participants must provide a YouTube link and a PDF of their sheet music.

• Fees: All application fees are non-refundable after the deadline. Participants must ensure the fee matches their entry category to avoid disqualification.

• Consent: Minors must have the application completed by a parent, guardian, or instructor. Large school groups must ensure they have media release consent for all minors.

• Conduct: Music Matters reserves the right to disqualify material deemed inappropriate or offensive.

🎼 Repertoire & Performance Standards

• Memorization: All soloists must perform from memory.

• Classical Standards: Single movements of sonatas/concertos, single dances from suites, or separate Preludes/Fugues are permitted. Theme and Variations must be performed in full.

• Da Capo & Repeats: All Da Capo marks must be observed; other repeats are at the performer's discretion.

• Attire: Performers must wear suitable concert attire. Uniforms or traditional dress are acceptable, but clothing with slogans or advertisements is prohibited.

📍 In-Person Competition Rules

• Check-in: Participants and accompanists must check in at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time. Late arrival results in automatic disqualification.

• Scores: One original score must be provided for each adjudicator. Measures must be numbered at the start of each staff line. For accompanied works, the score must include both the solo and piano parts.

• Accompaniment: Accompanists must use original prints (no photocopies). Page-turners are allowed if needed.

• Facility: No on-stage rehearsals are permitted. Tuning and warm-up areas are available for all instruments except solo piano.

• Etiquette: Direct communication with the judges by competitors, teachers, or parents is strictly forbidden.

🎥 Digital (Video) Requirements

• Format: Videos must be "Unlisted" on YouTube with comments disabled.

• The video is not more than 6 months old from the creation date. 

• One-Take Rule: Soloists must record one complete piece in a single, unedited take. No video splicing or dubbing is permitted.

• Visibility: The camera angle must clearly show the performer’s body and technique (e.g., fingers on the piano) without obstruction from music stands. The whole ensemble group must show all performers. 

• Labeling: Videos must be titled with the Student/Ensemble Name, Piece Title, and Composer.

🏆 Results & Winners' Recital

• Adjudication: Digital and In-Person entries are judged separately by distinct panels. Criteria include technique, rhythm, dynamics, phrasing, style, and stage presentation.

• All results are final and unappealable.

• Benaroya Hall Recital: Winners are invited to perform at Benaroya Hall. To receive trophies, winners must participate in the recital. Scholarships for winners may be offered as rewards based on total enrollments. 

• Recital Fees: There is a $128 participation fee per student for the recital, which includes a reception event after the recital. 

• Repertoire Change: To change the recital piece, a $50 fee and a new video link must be submitted at least one week prior to the concert.

• Accompaniment: Only acoustic piano accompaniment is allowed at the recital. Accompanists can be arranged for a fee ($125/hr) if needed.

​