2021 Piano Competition | Categories and Rules
Advanced Category (Ages 15-18): 15 Minutes
1. One solo selection from either Baroque or Classical Period.
Example of Baroque piece: Both “Prelude” and “Fugue” from WTC of Bach, contrasting movements (2 or more) from any suites and first or final movement of Italian concerto etc. Example of Classical period: First or Final Movement of a Sonata.
2. One free choice solo piece of contrasting style.
Works by contemporary composers that have not been published will not qualify.
Junior Category (Ages 10-14): 12 Minutes
1. One solo selection from either Baroque or Classical Period.
Example: First or Final Movement of a Sonatina or Sonata.
2. One free choice solo piece of contrasting style.
Works by contemporary composers that have not been published will not qualify.
Elementary Category (Ages 6-9): 8 Minutes
1. One solo selection from either Baroque or Classical Period.
Example: First or Final Movement of a Sonatina or Sonata.
2. One free choice solo piece of contrasting style.
Works by contemporary composers that have not been published will not qualify.
Rules
Eligibility Rules
1. This piano competition is open to pianists of any nationality worldwide between the ages of 6-18.
2. For all categories participants must be of qualifying age by the date of application.
3. Students who study or have studied with any of the announced judges are not eligible to compete. A refund will be issued to these students.

Video Rules
1. All performances must be from memory.
2. Contestant should submit recordings of each of their performance selections with no editing or splicing. Any signs of splicing will disqualify the contestant instantly.
3. It is not necessary to submit recordings made at one sitting.  Two video links should be submitted at the time of application - one for each piece.
4. Long sections of repeats may be omitted.
5. Performance video must be high quality in audio with no distortions. The use of a separate audio recording equipment is highly recommended.
6. Performances will be stopped when maximum time allowed for each category is reached.
7. Break between selections will be counted into the total time allowed.
8. No changes to the program are permitted once the application form has been received.
9.The video recording should be shot from the side view of the contestant. The profile and hands of the contestant must be clearly seen.
10. The performance video should not include any introduction of the contestant, and no speaking is allowed. Titles and composers are the only information that may be included in the video.
11. All performance videos must be recorded within THREE months from the time of registration for 2021 Spotlight International Competitions.
12. All decisions of the judges are final. Judges have the right to not place a winner in any category if they determine that no contestant is sufficiently qualified to receive a prize.