Competition Rules & Guidelines
- The Ad Libitum International Piano Competition is open to classical pianists and amateur pianists from all countries.
- The competition is held entirely online.
No travel or accommodation costs are required — participation is based on video submission.
- Categories
There is no age limit. Participants compete in one main category and may optionally enter additional Expert Categories.
Main Categories:
- Piano Prodigy (9 years old and younger)
- Piano Junior (10–13 years old)
- Piano Senior (14–19 years old)
- Piano Master (20+)
- Amateur (no formal musical education, no age limit)
Expert Categories:
- Baroque
- Classical Period
- Romantic Period
- Impressionism
- 20th Century
- 21st Century
- Etude
- Sonata
- Sonatina
- Concerto
- Toccata
- Rondo
- Bach
- Chopin
- Liszt
- Haydn
- Mozart
- Beethoven
- Schubert
- Schumann
- Own Composition
- German Composer
- French Composer
- Russian Composer
- Polish Composer
- American Composer
- European Composer
- Asian Composer
You may apply to multiple categories with the same program or submit additional recordings for different categories.
The organiser reserves the right to adjust a participant’s category if necessary (e.g. based on age, repertoire, or application details).
- Repertoire
Participants are free to choose repertoire that best reflects their artistic personality.
Performances may be played from memory or with score.
The program must not exceed 15 minutes per category. There is no minimum duration.
If the time limit is exceeded, the jury reserves the right to evaluate only the permitted duration.
Single movements from larger works (e.g. sonatas, suites) are allowed.
Both solo piano and piano with orchestra (or second piano) performances are accepted.
- Recording Requirements
Participants must submit video links of their performance.
We accept links from platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, BiliBili, or similar. Please do not send downloadable files.
Videos must be publicly accessible or set as “unlisted” (not private).
Please include the full name of the performer, composer, and repertoire in the video title or description.
You may submit one video per piece or combine multiple pieces into one recording.
- Jury
The jury consists of experienced concert pianists, professors, and competition jurors.
Participants are evaluated exclusively based on submitted recordings.
At least two jury members evaluate each performance.
Optional written feedback is available for participants who select this option.
The decisions of the jury are final.
- Awards
Prizes are awarded based on a 25-point evaluation system:
- 24–25 points – Gold Prize
- 22–23 points – Silver Prize
- 19–21 points – Bronze Prize
- 17–18 points – Laureate Title
All prizewinners receive digital diplomas. Participants without awards receive a Certificate of Participation.
The jury reserves the right not to award or to divide prizes.
Special awards include: Versatile Pianist, Pianist of the Season, and Pianist of the Year.
- Application Fee
The application fee is 60 EUR for the main category and 30 EUR for each additional category.
Payments are processed securely via Stripe after submitting the application form.
Fees are non-refundable.
- Application Procedure
Participants must complete the application form on the website.
The application is considered valid only after payment is completed.
Applicants will receive confirmation by email.
Deadlines and results are published on the official website.
Minor participants must be registered by a parent or legal guardian.
- Disclaimer
By participating, contestants agree to the use of their recordings and images for promotional purposes. The organisers reserve the right to edit materials for publication.