​​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 CONCERTO CATEGORY

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

Entry Fees
$80 for Concerto
$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 Concerto Category: 

  • The exposition and cadenza of a fast movement of a Piano Concerto played at a close-to-performance tempo.
  • If a cadenza does not exist in the selection, the development can be used as a substitute. 
  • Must be played from memory.
  • Recording with the accompaniment is strongly recommended, but not required. 

FINAL LIVE ROUND for CONCERTO CATEGORY

Application deadline: Monday, May 11, 2026
(Entry fee: $140)

  • 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 Winners’ Concert.
  • Professional accompanists for the Concerto category may be provided by Carmel Klavier for an additional non-refundable fee of $100 for Elementary and $150 for Intermediate and Advanced levels (includes one rehearsal and performance).

Final Round Time Limit for Concerto 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 (ages up to 7): up to 10 minutes
Elementary B (ages up to 9): up to 10 minutes
Intermediate A (ages up to 11): up to 15 minutes
Intermediate B (ages up to 11): up to 15 minutes
Advanced A (ages up to 15): up to 20 minutes
Advanced B (ages up to 18): up to 20 minutes

Final Round Repertoire Requirements for Concerto category:

  • The same movement of the concerto you used. 
  • No omission of piano solo part allowed (Only cuts in orchestral are permitted)
  • Contestants must perform the selected movement in its entirety, without any cuts or abridgments (orchestra parts can be shortened).
  • Memorization is required.

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