Youth Division

 

Age Categories

    •    Junior Division: Ages 8–12

    •    Senior Division: Ages 13–17

 

The Youth Division is open to pianists of all nationalities.

A valid government-issued ID (passport, birth certificate, or national identification card) must be provided to verify age eligibility.

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Age eligibility is verified at the time of the first regional application deadline (March 15, 2026) and is applied uniformly to all applicants to ensure fairness and consistency.

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Repertoire Requirements

 

All repertoire must be performed from memory at every stage of the competition.

 

Junior Division (Ages 8–12)

⏱ Maximum total performance time: 6 minutes

Participants should prepare a balanced program demonstrating both technical skill and musical expression.

Suggested program structure:

•    One etude (classical or contemporary) by Chopin, Moszkowski, Kabalevsky, Prokofiev, Czerny, Bruchmilker, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Bartók, Shostakovich, Ligeti, or from method books (Burgmüller, Beyer, Kuhlau) showing technique and musical expression

•    Free Choice of Repertoire

 

Senior Division (Ages 13–17)

⏱ Maximum total performance time: 8 minutes

Participants should present a contrasting program that highlights both artistry and technical command.

Suggested program structure:

    •    A contrasting program representing at least two musical periods

 

Performance Duration Policy:

Participants should prepare the full program.

For scheduling purposes, the jury may stop performances at its discretion.

Average listening time per contestant is approximately 6 minutes (Junior) and 8 minutes (Senior).

 

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Competition Structure

 

Stage 1 – Preliminary (Video Submission)

Stage 2 – Regional Competition & Awards Ceremony (Live)

Regional competitions will be held in select international cities in 2026

London | Tbilisi | Brescia | Warsaw I Chicago | Philadelphia I New York 

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Each regional event includes:

    •    Live performances before a professional jury

    •    Adjudication and written feedback for each participant

    •    Awards ceremony recognizing top performers in both divisions

 

Awards:

🥇 1st Prize 🥈 2nd Prize 🥉 3rd Prize 

Honorable Mentions & Special Prizes

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All winners receive an official printed certificate presented on stage during the ceremony.

Outstanding participants may be invited to the Final Round & Manhattan PianoFest in New York City

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Prize scholarships are applied as tuition credits toward participation in the Manhattan PianoFest and Final Round 

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Stage 3 – Final Round & Manhattan PianoFest (By Invitation Only)

A select group of Youth Division finalists will be invited to New York City to participate in a 4-day festival featuring:

    •    High-level solo performances

    •    Master classes with world-class faculty

    •    Collaborative events and international cultural exchange

 

Finalist Numbers:

Youth Division (Junior & Senior combined): 10-12 finalist