Video Audition Application Rules - 2026 Carnegie hall

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

Payment Due: December 15, 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 will be added to the ‘World Ranking’ (only the top 100 will be listed online).
6. Professional Photography (digital)
7. Professional Videography (digital)

All information regarding the Winners’ Recital will be provided exclusively through the Exclusive Winners’ Page.
A link to this page is available on the application confirmation page.

Please note that the Exclusive Winners’ Page cannot be accessed directly from the official website. Be sure to bookmark the page so you can access it at any time.

In addition, by December 25, we will send an invitation email to the Exclusive Winners’ Page. As this will be sent as a group email, please add admin@specialvenue.org to your contacts to ensure it is not filtered as spam or blocked.

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 the $55 fee by March 20, 2026. (Changes made after this deadline will incur a fee of $105.)
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

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 $250 plus 5% fee.
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 will be added to the ‘World Ranking’ (only the top 100 will be listed online).
• International/Domestic Shipping of the certificate and trophy or medal

• Participant Responsibility: All expenses—including Winners’ Recital participation fee, Video Audition fee, photography/videography fees, processing fees, additional charges, travel, lodging, and rehearsal space—must be covered and arranged by the participant.
• Processing Fee: A 5% processing fee applies to all payments.
• Non-Refundable: The Video Audition fee, Winners’ Recital participation fee, photography/videography fees, and any other payments are non-refundable under any circumstances.

For more details, please see the FAQ page.

Once you have submitted the Winners’ Recital Enrollment Form and completed the payment, a link to access the Exclusive Winners Page will be provided.
Please bookmark this link. All important announcements and communications will be made exclusively through this page.

If you forget to save the link, please contact us at admin@specialvenue.org