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Repertoire Guidelines
All repertoire must be performed from memory at every stage of the competition.
Repertoire may be repeated at each stage. However, performers who present new repertoire demonstrate greater artistic range and preparation, which may be reflected positively in the jury's evaluation.
Youth Junior (Ages 8-12)
Youth Junior Division
Applicants must be at least 8 years old at the start of the Preliminary Round (March 1, 2026) and not older than 12 at the conclusion of the Competition (October 4, 2026).
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Preliminary Round
Video Submission (2 - 10 minutes)
• One etude (any style, including contemporary)
• One Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, or Contemporary work
(A single sonata movement is acceptable.)
Regional Competition
Live Performance (Maximum 6 minutes)
Participants may prepare a longer program. The jury may stop the performance once the time limit is reached.
Repertoire:
• One etude (any style, including contemporary)
• Free Choice of Repertoire
Regional Winners’ Recital
Live Performance (10-15 minutes)
• Extended program chosen by the performer
Final Round (Manhattan)
Live Performance (Maximum 15 minutes)
• Contrasting program showing artistry and technical command
Final Winners Recital ( Carnegie Hall )
• Winners perform 10 minutes solo recital repertoire in final winners recital at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
Youth Senior (Ages 13-17)
Youth Senior Division
Applicants must be at least 13 years old at the start of the Preliminary Round (March 1, 2026) and not older than 17 at the conclusion of the Competition (October 4, 2026).
Preliminary Round
Video Submission (15 - 20 minutes)
• One etude (e.g., Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Ligeti, etc.)
• One Classical sonata movement (complete sonata optional for advanced participants)
• One Romantic, Impressionist, or Contemporary work
Regional Competition
Live Performance (Maximum 8 minutes)
Participants may prepare a longer program. The jury may stop the performance once the time limit is reached.
Repertoire:
• A contrasting program representing at least two musical periods
Regional Winners’ Recital
Live Performance (15–20 minutes)
• Extended program chosen by the performer
Final Round (Manhattan)
Live Performance (Maximum 25-30 minutes)
• Contrasting program showing artistry and technical command including one movement of a classical sonata (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert)
Final Winners Recital ( Carnegie Hall )
• Winners perform 15 minutes solo recital repertoire in final winners recital at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
Professional (Ages 18 - 35)
Professional Division
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the start of the Preliminary Round (March 1, 2026) and not older than 35 at the conclusion of the Competition (October 4, 2026).
Preliminary Round
Video Submission (20–30 minutes)
• Contrasting program showing artistry and technical command
• All repertoire must be performed from memory
Regional Competition
Live Performance (Maximum 10 minutes)
Participants may prepare a longer program. The jury may stop the performance once the time limit is reached.
Repertoire:
• A contrasting program representing at least three musical periods
Regional Winners’ Recital
Live Performance (20-25 minutes)
• Extended program chosen by the performer
Final Round (Manhattan)
Live Performance ( 35-40 minutes)
• Contrasting program showing artistry and technical command including one movement of a classical sonata (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert)
Final Winners Recital ( Carnegie Hall )
• Winners perform 20 minutes solo recital repertoire in final winners recital at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
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