​​LEVELS

The competitor’s age as of June 1, 2026, determines their level in the Carmel Klavier Competition.
We reserve the right to split or merge levels depending on the number of contestants.  

Elementary A: (ages up to 7)
Elementary B: (ages up to 9)
Intermediate A: (ages up to 11)
Intermediate B: (ages up to 13)
Advanced A: (ages up to 15)
Advanced B: (ages up to 19)

PRELIMINARY VIDEO AUDITION for SOLO CATEGORY

Dealines
Monday, March 30, 2026
Late Preliminary application deadline: Sunday, April 13, 2026 

Entry Fees
$80 for Solo
$50 late fee (if registered between March 30–April 13, 2026)

Video Submission Requirements

All videos must be submitted via YouTube link/links (unlisted). Please include the name and level in the title. The videos may be recorded and posted on YouTube within six months before March 30, 2026.

• All applicants will be notified of the jury’s decision regarding the preliminary round no later than Monday, April 27, 2026. 
• Selected candidates will advance to the live rounds
• Failure to adhere to the competition’s rules may result in disqualification. The organizing committee reserves the right to enforce these standards to ensure fair play and event integrity.

Preliminary Repertoire Requirements for SOLO category:

• Two original, contrasting piano compositions of different musical eras. 
• Elementary-level participants may perform compositions from the same period, provided the pieces are contrasting in nature and character.
• Collections of short works (For example: Chopin’s Preludes) are allowed to count as one composition.
• Only 1 movement of Sonata or Sonatina 
• Memorization is not required.  
• The preliminary audition repertoire does not have to be the same as for Semi-Final or Final rounds.

SEMI-FINAL LIVE ROUND for SOLO CATEGORY 

Application deadline: Monday, May 11, 2026
(Entry fee: $140, includes the final round)

• The Semifinal round, scheduled for June 24–25, 2026, welcomes public attendance. Contestants are required to perform before the judging panel at their assigned time slots.
• Semi-finalists will have access to designated warm-up rooms at scheduled times.
• Results for the Semi-final round will be announced after each day’s performances.

Semi-final Time Limit for Solo Category: 

Contestants must adhere to these limits, as performances may be stopped if they exceed the allotted time.

Elementary A (ages up to 7) : up to 6 minutes
Elementary B (ages up to 9): up to 8 minutes
Intermediate A (ages up to 11): up to 10 minutes
Intermediate B (ages up to 13): up to 12 minutes
Advanced A (ages up to 15): up to 14 minutes
Advanced B (ages up to 18): up to 16 minutes

Semi-final Repertoire Requirements for Solo Category:

• Two original, contrasting piano compositions of different musical eras. 
• Elementary-level participants may perform compositions of the same period if they are contrasting in nature/character.
• Collections of short works (Example: Chopin’s Preludes) are allowed to count as one composition.
• Contestants may use the same piece/pieces from the Preliminary (video) round.
• Memorization is required.

FINAL LIVE ROUND 

• The Final round is open to the public. Each contestant must appear before the panel of judges at his/her designated time.
• Warm-up rooms and assigned warm-up times will be available to all finalists.
• Additional practice times will be available to all participants on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on availability at the Center for the Performing Arts (to be announced). Please note that no pre-arranged practice times will be offered before the competition.
• All final round results will be announced at the Final Award Ceremony on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 6:30 pm, followed by the Gala Concert.

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Final Round Time Limit for Solo Category: 

The performance time will be determined by the level entered, and the contestant’s performance may be stopped once the time limit is exceeded by the judges’ discretion.

Elementary A: up to 5 minutes
Elementary B: up to 6 minutes
Intermediate A: up to 7 minutes
Intermediate B: up to 8 minutes
Advanced A: up to 9 minutes
Advanced B: up to 10 minutes

Final Round Repertoire Requirements for Solo Category:

• One original piano composition 
• Contestants may use the same piece as the Preliminary (video) round, but not from the semi-final live round.
• Collections of short works (Example: Chopin’s Preludes) are allowed.
• Memorization is required.

*If you have any questions regarding the repertoire choice, please contact us at
team@carmelklavier.com