1. Eligibility

1.1. The Piano Competition Online is open to classical pianists and piano duos from all countries.
1.2. There is no age limit.

2. Format (Online Only)

2.1. The competition is conducted entirely online.
2.2. No travel or accommodation costs are required; participation is based on submitting video recordings.

3. Categories (NEW)

3.1. Main Categories (mandatory)

• Piano Solo — Age Groups (Main): Each solo participant selects one age category as the primary entry (see §3.3).
• Piano Duo — Main (non-age-based): A separate Main Category for duos (two pianos and/or four hands) with no age grouping. Duos of all ages are welcome. Age may be taken into account in jury deliberations.

3.2. Expert (Specialty) Categories — optional
After choosing a Main Category (Solo Age Group or Piano Duo), participants may optionally add one or more Expert categories that match their submitted program. Participation in Expert categories is not required. Piano duos may also add Expert categories.

Expert Categories (you may select multiple):

• By style/era: Baroque; Classical; Romantic; 20th Century; Contemporary
• By type: Own Composition; Virtuoso Piece; Lyrical Piece; Sonata; Etude; Concerto
• Composer-specific: Bach; Haydn; Mozart; Beethoven; Schubert; Chopin; Schumann; Liszt; Brahms; Rachmaninoff

3.3. Piano Solo — Age Groups (Main)

• I — born 2018 and younger
• II — born 2016–2017
• III — born 2014–2015
• IV — born 2012–2013
• V — born 2010–2011
• VI — born 2008–2009
• VII — born 2004–2007
• VIII — born 2000–2003
• IX — born 1996–1999
• X — born 1995 and older

3.4. One program, multiple categories
You may apply with one program to multiple categories (Main + selected Expert categories), or submit an additional recording to compete in additional categories. You may also enter only the Main Category (Solo Age Group or Piano Duo).

4. Repertoire & Timing

4.1. Free-choice repertoire that best reflects the musician’s artistic personality.
4.2. Piano duos may perform four-hands, two pianos, or a combination.
4.3. Memory: Soloists perform from memory; piano duos may use scores.
4.4. Time limit: The program length per category must not exceed 15 minutes (applies to every category entered, including Expert categories and Piano Duo).
4.5. If the total duration exceeds the limit, the Jury may listen only up to 15 minutes and evaluate solely on that basis.
4.6. Single movements or selected movements from cyclical works (e.g., sonata, suite) are allowed.
4.7. For premieres or non-catalogued works, please email a PDF score.

5. Video Recording Requirements

5.1. Submit links to your performance videos.
5.2. Accepted platforms: YouTube, Vimeo, BiliBili or similar publicly accessible services. Do not send downloadable files.
5.3. Ensure videos are public or unlisted (not “private”).
5.4. Include full work titles, composer’s name, and performer’s name in the video title or description.
5.5. The performer must be clearly visible in the video.
5.6. You may submit multiple links (separate pieces) or one combined link (preferred).
5.7. Videos must be recorded within 12 months prior to the competition.

6. Jury & Evaluation

6.1. The Jury consists of concert pianists and experienced pedagogues and works under internal regulations.
6.2. Judging is based exclusively on submitted videos.
6.3. The Jury may listen only within the regulatory time limit (§4.4–4.5).
6.4. Decisions of the Jury are final and irrevocable.
6.5. Where applicable, teacher–student conflict policies apply (jurors’ own students may not participate).

7. Prizes & Distinctions

7.1. In each category, the Jury may award Grand Prix (up to 25 points), 1st Prize (24–22), 2nd Prize (21–19), 3rd Prize (18–16), and Honourable Mentions, based on the points achieved. Multiple prizes in a category are possible.
7.2. Printable Diplomas will be issued to all participants; Teacher Appreciation diplomas may also be issued.
7.3. Selected winners may receive editorial features/interviews and promotional exposure on PCO channels (website, social media).
7.4. Prize criteria include: artistic personality, musicality, preparation quality; for young pianists: outstanding potential; for duos: ensemble collaboration and musicianship.
7.5. Optional written feedback from jurors is available (see §8.3).

8. Fees

8.1. Main Category (Solo Age Group or Piano Duo): €80 (choose one Main Category).
8.2. Each Expert (Specialty) Category: €30 (optional, per category).
8.3. Optional Written Feedback: €30 (voluntary).
8.4. The application form automatically calculates the total fee based on your selections. After submitting the form, you will be redirected to a secure payment platform (Stripe).
8.5. Fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.

9. Application Procedure

9.1. Prepare your video(s).
9.2. Upload to YouTube or another accepted public platform and copy the link(s).
9.3. Complete the Application Form:
   • Select your Main Category — Solo Age Group or Piano Duo.
   • (Optional) Add Expert categories that match your program (soloists and duos may add Expert categories).
   • Paste your video link(s) and ensure the 15-minute limit per category.
   • Upload a photo.
9.4. For minors, the application must be completed and submitted by a parent or legal guardian.
9.5. Pay the calculated fee immediately after submission via Stripe; otherwise, the application may be suspended.
9.6. For any payment issues, please contact us.

10. Deadlines & Results

10.1. Application deadlines and result announcement dates are published on the website and/or Application Form.
10.2. Results and digital certificates are delivered electronically. Optional written feedback (if purchased) is provided after the jury process.

11. Publicity & Media (Disclaimer)

11.1. By applying, participants consent to the publication and promotion of submitted videos and photos for competition-related purposes.
11.2. Organizers reserve the right to edit/crop photos for publication on the Internet and official channels.

12. Acceptance of Rules

12.1. By submitting an application, the participant accepts these Rules in full.