Eligibility
The Melodot Music Competition provides young musicians with a distinguished platform to showcase their talents and gain valuable performance experience. Our mission is to foster a lifelong love of music, encourage continuous artistic growth, and build lasting confidence in young performers.
The competition is open to piano and string players of all nationalities and ages.
| Division | Age | Time Limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 6 and under | 4 minutes | $65 |
| B | 7 | 5 minutes | $75 |
| C | 8 | 5 minutes | $75 |
| D | 9 | 6 minutes | $80 |
| E | 10 | 6 minutes | $80 |
| F | 11 | 7 minutes | $85 |
| G | 12 | 7 minutes | $85 |
| H | 13-14 | 8 minutes | $90 |
| I | 15-16 | 9 minutes | $100 |
| J | 17 | 10 minutes | $110 |
Repertoire Requirements
- Participants may select original works from any classical period: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary.
- Piano and string solo works must be performed from memory.
- Arrangements, simplifications, or modernized versions are not permitted.
Video Submission Guidelines
- Submit a YouTube link (or link from another major video‑sharing platform) to your performance recording.
- Videos must be single‑camera, unedited, continuous performances that clearly show the performer’s full body.
- No speaking or self‑introduction is allowed in the video.
- Videos must be recorded within the designated submission period; late submissions will not be accepted.
- A performance video link is not required at the time of registration. Participants may upload their video later through Account → My Competitions anytime before the submission deadline.
Judging Criteria and Awards
Judging will consider technical proficiency, musical expression, repertoire difficulty, and overall artistry.
- Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be awarded to outstanding participants.
- Winners will be invited to perform at a future event at Beneroys Hall.
- Special awards may be presented for exceptional artistic achievement.
Registration
- Registration Period: July 13, 2026 – September 20, 2026
- Method: Complete the online registration form and submit the required fee.
- Registration fees are non‑refundable once confirmed.
Winners Concert
- Winners must reply to confirm their participation in the Benaroya Hall event upon receiving the award notification email.
- Winners must perform the same piece at the Winners Concert as submitted for the competition.
- All participants are responsible for their own expenses (travel, accommodation, etc.).
- For winners unable to attend, Melodot will mail medals and certificates.
- During the Winners Concert, participants waive all rights to remuneration for television broadcasting or any financial compensation, and authorize the competition organizers to use their image for any publicity activities related to the event.
- The competition is not responsible for any damage or theft.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied and supervised at all times by their parents or legal guardians.
- The Melodot Music International Competition reserves the right to make changes to the rules, schedule, and other competition-related information.
Important Notes
- Participants must ensure high‑quality video recordings to avoid evaluation issues.
- All submissions must be complete performances of original works; arrangements or abridged versions are prohibited.
- Participant age is determined based on the date the registration form is submitted.
- Incomplete registration, including failure to pay fees, will result in disqualification.
- Submitted materials will not be returned, and the registration fee is non-refundable.
- The judges’ decision is final and unappealable.
- All participants must adhere to competition rules; violations may result in disqualification.