Video Audition Application Rules - 2026 Carnegie hall

SOLO:  $200 USD *

DUO:    $300 USD per group  *

CHAMBER MUSIC or CHOIR:  $400 USD per group * 

*A 5% processing fee will be applied to all submissions.

Important 

Please note that two separate payments are required to perform at the Winners’ Recital:

1. Video Audition Fee (for the video audition only)
2. Winners’ Recital Participation Fee (only if selected as a winner) 

All payments are non-refundable under any circumstances.

Application Starts: September 1, 2025      

Application Deadline: November 30, 2025      

We expect the spots to fill up quickly. Please secure your spots before they are gone. 

 Participants must submit:

1. Completed online Application Form with YouTube URL of the video recordings
2. Application Fee

Open to all nationalities, ages, and instruments, including:
piano, strings, winds, brass, classical guitar, harp, voice, traditional instruments, choir groups (up to 25 musicians), piano four-hands, chamber music, and more — including professional musicians.

Please note: We are unable to accommodate instruments that require delivery or shipping.

Applicants must submit ONE video recording with the following time limit:

SOLO

8 years old and under: 3 minutes

9 to 12 years old: 4 minutes

13 to 15 years old: 5 minutes

16 to 18 years old: 6 minutes

19 years old and older (no age limit): 7 minutes  

DUO and CHAMBER MUSIC

12 years old and under: 4 minutes

13 - 18 years old: 5 minutes

19 years old and older (no age limit): 7 minutes  

CHOIR (up to 25 musicians)

5 minutes

Applicants may present works from the classical repertoire, including the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary periods.

• Any interpretation of the classical repertoire is acceptable.
• Shortened versions of pieces are permitted to meet the time limit.
• Original compositions by the applicant are allowed.
• For traditional instruments, repertoire from the applicant’s cultural heritage is welcome.
• For vocal applicants, musical theater repertoire is accepted.

Participants must upload a video recording of their performance to YouTube and include the URL in the Application Form.

Upload Settings:

• Video Title: Full Name, Age, Repertoire Title, Composer
• Visibility: Set to Unlisted 

- Videos recorded within the past year are accepted.
- The repertoire for the Winners’ Recital may be changed later with an additional processing fee.

- Recordings should fairly represent the performer’s abilities, but professional production quality is not required.

- Memorization is not required for the audition, but performances at the Winners’ Recital are generally expected to be memorized.

•  A panel of judges evaluates and punctuates the video materials submitted, and the final  selections of winners is based solely on the same recordings submitted.  
• Multiple winners will be chosen in each age category. 
• The judges' decision is final and cannot be appealed. The comments and punctuation of the jury will not be provided. 

By December 5, the winners and each participant will be notified about the Competition results via email. All winners and participants will receive digital certificates.  　

From 90 to 100 points: 1st prize (100/100: Absolute First Prize)

From 80 to 89 points: 2nd prize

From 70 to 79 points: 3rd prize

All 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners will be invited to the winners' recitals.

Please note: We do not disclose the exact score earned by each participant.

Teachers whose students become winners will be recommended to apply for the Outstanding Teacher Award (application fee: $38).

The Excellent Teacher Award Application fee includes:

• Certificate of Outstanding Teacher (digital format only)
• Promotion of your name and music school on our competition website
• Listing of your name on the “Excellent Teacher Awards” page under "Result"of our website
• Addition of points to the “Excellent Teacher World Ranking” and listing of your name on the ranking page
   

The results will be sent directly to your students, so please check with them for the outcome and for detailed information included in the email.

Important 

Please note that two separate payments are required to perform at the Winners’ Recital:

1. Video Audition Fee (for the video audition only)
2. Winners’ Recital Participation Fee (only if selected as a winner) 

All payments are non-refundable under any circumstances.

Venue: Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall
Date: Thursday, July  2 and Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 7 pm - 10 pm

Payment Due: December 10, 2025

SOLO

• $400 Performance Fee
• and $300 Photography and Videography Fee (mandatory)
   

DUO

• $350 Performance Fee per musician
• and $300 Photography and Videography Fee per group (mandatory)

CHAMBER MUSIC / CHOIR

• $325 Performance Fee per musician
• and $300 Photography and Videography Fee per group (mandatory)

＊Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more musicians. Please reach out to us for more information.
 

＊A 5% processing fee will be applied to all submissions.
All payments are non-refundable under any circumstances.

1. Performance of one piece at the Winners Recital
2. Certificate of Achievement (digital and printed) 
3. Trophy or Medal (to be confirmed)
4. Featured in the “Results” section of the website (with name and photo)
5. Points added to the World Ranking on the website
6. Professional Photography (digital)
7. Professional Videography (digital)

1. The piece performed at the Winners Recital must be the same as the one submitted for the video audition.
2. The performance time is the same as the age-based time limit for the video audition.
   The timing begins when you step onto the stage and ends when you leave it, including instrument setup, tuning, placement of footstools and pedals, and chair adjustments. If the time limit is exceeded, the performance may be stopped, and points will be deducted from the world ranking score. Please be sure to exit the stage within the allotted time.
3. We appreciate your understanding, as this policy is intended to give as many participants as possible the opportunity to perform.

If you wish to change your piece, please submit the “Repertoire Change Request Form” and pay a fee of $55 by the deadline stated in your results email.
Note: The time limit must still be observed. No re-submission of the video is required.

SOLO

8 years old and under: 3 minutes

9 to 12 years old: 4 minutes

13 to 15 years old: 5 minutes

16 to 18 years old: 6 minutes

19 years old and older (no age limit): 7 minutes  

DUO and CHAMBER MUSIC

12 years old and under: 4 minutes

13 - 18 years old: 5 minutes

19 years old and older (no age limit): 7 minutes  

CHOIR up to 25 musicians

5 minutes

• The total time includes entering and exiting the stage, setting up instruments, tuning, adjusting benches, pedals, etc.
• If you exceed the time limit, the performance may be cut short, and world ranking points may be deducted. Please be sure to exit the stage within your designated time.
• We appreciate your cooperation in giving as many performers as possible the chance to appear on stage.

Requests to extend the performance time may be granted if scheduling allows, with an additional fee of $150 per minute. Availability will not be confirmed until January 31, 2026.

Please Note: In most years, performance time extensions cannot be granted due to scheduling constraints.

Photography, Video Recording, and Audio Recording:

Unauthorized photography, recording, and filming are strictly prohibited inside Carnegie Hall. Violations may result in being asked to leave by Carnegie Hall staff. 

Video Service at Carnegie Hall (Notification from Carnegie Officials):

1. The video will be provided via a private link.
2. No editing, audio mixing, or post-production will be applied to the recording.
3. It is extremely important that anyone receiving a copy of the recording understands and agrees that the video must not be posted online or on social media, and may not be distributed or used for any commercial purposes.

• Only piano accompaniment is permitted.
• If using other instruments, please apply under the Duo category.
• If the pianist would like to be listed in the results or program and be eligible for awards, apply as a Duo.
• If you need a pianist, we can recommend one.
• All arrangements for rehearsals and payments with the accompanist must be made directly between the performer and the accompanist. (Typical fee for pianists: approximately $150–$200, depending on the pianist.)

If you cannot attend the recital, you may purchase a Winners’ Package for $200
Includes:

• Certificate of Achievement (digital and printed)
• Trophy or Medal (to be confirmed)
• Listing in the “Results” section of the website (name and photo)
• Points -addition to and listing in the “World Ranking”
• International/Domestic Shipping of the certificate and trophy or meda

• All expenses including Winners’ Recital participation fee, photography and videography fees, processing fees, additional fees, travel, lodging, and rehearsal space must be covered by the participant.
• Please make your own arrangements at your cost.
• A 5% processing fee will be applied to all payments.
• Arrangements for transportation, lodging, and practice facilities must be made by the participant.
• The Video Audition Fee, Winners’ Recital participation fee, photography fees, and any other payments made are non-refundable under any circumstances.

For more details, please see the FAQ page.