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Entry Deadline
May 29th, 2026
Schedules Released
June 30th, 2026
No Schedule Changes After
July 15th, 2026
ENTRY DEADLINES
All entries must be postmarked by May 29, 2026 to avoid additional fees.
Entries or additional information submitted after the deadline will incur a $10 late fee per contestant.
REGISTRATION & ENTRY SUBMISSION
Entries are submitted through Associate Members (teachers).
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All repertoire must be listed on official entry forms.
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Checks must be issued by the Associate Member.
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Insufficient funds checks will incur a $25 service charge.
SCHEDULE REQUESTS & CHANGES
Preferred days may be requested; however, requests are not guaranteed and are subject to availability.
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If a specific day is required, it must be clearly indicated on the entry form.
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Schedule changes after submission incur a $10 change fee. No exceptions.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
Cancellations must be reported to the festival secretary prior to the event.
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Once scheduling has been finalized, no refunds will be issued.
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Contestants who cancel after scheduling will not receive a refund.
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ACCOMPANIMENT POLICY
Live accompaniment is required when written in the music. Pre-recorded tracks are not permitted.
Instrument-specific requirements:-
Brass, Woodwind, Viola, Violin, Cello – Classes G through B: accompaniment is encouraged if written but not mandatory.
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Class A through Virtuoso: accompaniment required when written.
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Voice – accompaniment required at all levels.
The accompanist may be the teacher.-
Festival accompanist service is available for $75 per event if music and payment are received by July 7, 2026
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After July 7, the fee increases to $100
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The fee includes 20 minutes of rehearsal the preceding evening and audition time.
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Original scores must be provided for the judge, contestant, and accompanist.
MUSIC PREPARATION-
Music must be performed as published. Cuts are not permitted.
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Repeated sections longer than eight measures should not be taken unless required to complete the piece properly.
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Measures must be numbered.
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Contestant name, scheduled time, and room number must appear on the music.
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Dynamics and tempo markings may be inserted when none are provided.
ORIGINAL SCORES & PHOTOCOPIES-
Original scores are required for both test and choice pieces.
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Failure to provide original scores results in a three-point deduction.
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Photocopied music is not permitted unless accompanied by a permanently out-of-print letter from the publisher submitted prior to the festival.
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Unauthorized photocopies will result in disqualification.
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This policy applies to soloists, accompanists, duets, and ensembles.
MEMORIZATION-
Memorization is required in Solo Division (10-point deduction if music is used), except where specifically noted in division guidelines.
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Refer to individual division requirements for additional memorization policies.
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A contestant may not enter two classes on the same instrument (for example, Class D and Class C on the same instrument).
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Contestants entering multiple solo divisions must perform different repertoire in each division.
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A choice piece may not appear on a lower level of the test list than the required piece.
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Teachers are permitted to compete only in AA, AAA, Junior Virtuoso, Virtuoso, and Open Division.
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AUDIENCE IS PERMITTED IN
• Solo Class A through Virtuoso
• Piano Competitive
• Vocal Theater
• Original Composition
• Composer’s Composition
• All unmemorized events
Closed auditions may not be requested.
Photography and video recording are not permitted in judging rooms.
If a contestant is scheduled for multiple performances at the same time, priority order is:
Orchestra → Ensemble → Duet → Solo
ADDITONAL GUIDANCE
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Contestants are encouraged to announce their name and selections prior to performing in divisions where audiences are present.
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There is no set number of Superior ratings awarded.
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The only competitive divisions are Piano Competitive and Top Virtuoso.
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Judges may cut performances that exceed suggested time guidelines.
RATING ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Superior ratings are posted daily near the Information Desk after judging is complete.
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Friday and Sunday Superiors are posted prior to the Awards Ceremony.
AWARD CRITERIA
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Trophies are awarded for scores of 95 points or above.
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Trophies are first presented to contestants present at the Awards Ceremony.
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Outstanding Young Performers are selected by judges from all entrants except Solo Piano and Virtuoso divisions.
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First Place Competitive Piano winners are considered for Outstanding Young Performer recognition.
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Criteria include exceptional musicianship, performance quality, and poise.
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The Outstanding Young Performer list is posted Saturday evening.
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Sunday morning contestants are not eligible.
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AWARD CEREMONIES
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Friday evening – for Thursday and Friday participants
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Sunday afternoon – for Saturday and Sunday participants
DISTRIBUTION POLICIES
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An authorized studio representative must pick up trophies for absent contestants.
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Trophies are available only after the Sunday Awards Ceremony and will not be mailed.
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Rating Sheet studio packets are distributed after Sunday Awards.
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If not collected in person, Rating Sheets may be mailed to the Associate Member for a $20 fee.
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Orchestra and Ensemble trophies are awarded to the entering studio. Duplicate trophies for individual members may be purchased following the awards ceremony.
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Participants are expected to maintain respectful behavior throughout the festival.
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Any contestant responsible for property damage or unruly conduct may be disqualified.
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