2025 MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL
PIANO AND STRINGS FESTIVAL
Online Competition

Rules and Regulations

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Accepted Instruments: Keyboard (piano, harpsichord, fortepiano, organ) and Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass)

• Age restrictions: Age calculated as of Sunday 31st August, 2025.

• Location: Online - Global - musicians from all corners of the world! 

• ENTRY VIA VIDEO RECORDING

​Key Points​

• You will need to record then submit a link to a video of your performance.

• You will need to provide proof of age, such as a copy of your passport, ID card etc.

• You must also supply a portrait publicity photo and a performer biography (maximum 50 words).

• All applications must be submitted by 11.59pm, Sunday 31st August, 2025 (Melbourne time).

• Age is calculated as at Sunday 31st August, 2025, i.e. if you turn 13 on this day, you are eligible for the Intermediate section and above, but, if you turn 14 on this day, you are eligible for Senior and Open sections only.

• All prizewinners will be notified of the competition outcome via email during October 2025 and will receive an electronic certificate issued by IAMUSICA via email.

• All other participants will be notified of the results via an IAMUSICA newsletter in October.

• Top selected candidates may be invited to participate in future IAMUSICA activities.

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Application Information

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• The repertoire presented must adhere to the time limit specified in the Categories Information above. Entries will be penalised and may be disqualified if the submission exceeds the total allocated time.

• The video does not need to be professionally recorded, but must show clearly the performer performing the instrument.

• The video must be unedited, i.e., the performance recording should be made in a single take.

• The video should have been recorded within the last twelve months.

• String players are expected to submit videos with a live accompanist (if required). 

• Applicants may submit as many pieces as they wish in each age category - each piece will require an additional application fee.

• An applicant may enter into an older age category, i.e. a 15-year-old competitor may enter the Senior Category (18 years and under) and the Open category but must submit a separate application for each Age Category.

• There is no age limit for the Open category. This category is open to everyone, including teachers.

• A candidate may replace a video already submitted as long as it is before the closing date.  However the new submission will incur a new application fee and no refund will be given for the earlier submission.  Candidates must also inform the Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival of any replacement videos by email (office@iamusica.org), following the submission of the new application form.

• Applicants are permitted to submit a single movement or select movements from a multi-movement work as long as it does not exceed the maximum total duration allowed for the section.

• Applicants for the piano sections must only present solo works (i.e. no concerti or accompanied works).

• Entries may submit multiple applications on the same application form, or on different application forms, as long as they are received before the closing date.

• All videos must be uploaded to an online platform (e.g. Youtube, Google Drive, Youku etc.) and the link included in the application form.  Videos need to remain available for viewing until 31 December 2022.

• All videos may be downloaded and stored for judging, review, and promotion purposes.

General and Judging Rules

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• In these rules and regulations, the word “Committee” shall mean “The Management Committee of the International Academy of Musical Arts”.

• The Committee reserves the right to determine the status of any competitor and the application and interpretation of these rules.

• The Committee reserves the right to invite some or all of the first-prize winners and any other candidates from the competition to participate in IAMUSICA events.

• The Committee reserves the right to amend the program at any time, such as vary the competitive sections, award multiple/no prizes, or replace jury members due to unforeseen circumstances. 

• The decision of the jury is final and cannot be disputed. All applications will be reviewed by at least one jury member.

• Jury members are not allowed to judge current students or former students in the past two years (excluding from masterclasses and festivals). In the event that a former or current student of a jury member has applied, they will be judged by other jury members.

• Jury members reserve the right to view all or part of any video applications.

• IAMUSICA reserves the right to appoint and/or replace jury members as required.

• The International Academy of Musical Arts respects diversity and the competition does not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or political association.

• The participant grants the International Academy of Musical Arts broadcast rights to film, photograph, record, broadcast, live stream, reproduce, transmit, and show via different media platforms and channels for the purpose of promoting the current and future programs in Australia and internationally.  

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Enrolment Fee

• Application fee is $70AUD per video. (A processing fee may apply.)
  Please note - for any applicants having any difficulties with the application process, or are from regions where Paypal/credit card payment system is unavailable, please email office@iamusica.org for assistance.

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