RULES & REGULATIONS

SCHEDULE

March 17, 2025 – Deadline for FREE REGISTRATION
March 17-23, 2025 – Evaluation and Judging of submitted video entries
March 23, 2025 – Notification of Finalists
March 23-30, 2025 – Submission for Final Round & Payment of Administrative Fees
April 25, 2025 – Announcement of competition results
May 18, 2025 – Issuance of E-Certificate via Email

COMPETITION RULES 2025

The International Schubert Competition Vienna 2025 is structured into preliminary and final online rounds, offering a seamless experience for participants. Entrants begin with a FREE REGISTRATION by submitting video recordings for the preliminary phase. Winners will be chosen based on these entries, with the possibility of multiple winners in each age category.

1. COMPETITION FRAMEWORK

1.1 Preliminary Round (FREE REGISTRATION)

Participants are encouraged to visit the official website of the International Schubert Competition Vienna and fill out the application form found on the “FREE RGISTRATION” page. Entrants must submit a link to a video showcasing their performance, which can be hosted on popular platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, or others.

We kindly ask you to adhere strictly to the “Repertoire & Video Guidelines” specified in Section 3. Failure to comply may result in disqualification from advancing to the final round.

1.2 Final Round (INVITATION & APPLICATION)

Only those chosen from the preliminary round will be eligible to move on to the final stage. Finalists have the option to use the same video as before or to submit a new recording by the designated deadline.

Finalists will receive email invitations that outline the application process for the final round. Notifications will be dispatched on the day finalists are announced. We recommend that you check your email regularly, including your spam folder, as our communications may occasionally be misdirected.

Finalists must utilize the link included in the invitation email to finalize the application steps before the deadline by submitting the final application fee via a secure payment portal and completing the Final Application Form.

Final Application Fee Details:
Individual Final Application Fee: €88
Chamber Group Final Application Fee: €133
Note: The final application fee is a one-time, non-refundable payment.
For minors, guardians will need to sign an authorization form allowing the competition organizers to use the participant’s name, images, and video content in promotional materials on our website and across social media platforms worldwide.

2. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS & TIME LIMITS

The International Schubert Competition is open to musicians from around the globe, regardless of age. Participants will be categorized into twelve distinct age groups, each with a specific time limit for performances.

PRODIGY
Born in 2019 and younger – 10 minutes maximum
RISING STAR I
Born in 2018/2017 – 10 minutes maximum
RISING STAR II
Born in 2016/2015 – 10 minutes maximum
JUNIOR VIRTUOSO I
Born in 2014/2013 – 15 minutes maximum
JUNIOR VIRTUOSO II
Born in 2012/2011 – 15 minutes maximum
ASPIRING ARTIST I
Born in 2010/2009 – 20 minutes maximum
ASPIRING ARTIST II
Born in 2008/2007 – 20 minutes maximum
EMERGING TALENT I
Born in 2006/2005 – 20 minutes maximum
EMERGING TALENT II
Born in 2004/2003 – 20 minutes maximum
ADVANCED PERFORMER I
Born in 2002/2001 – 25 minutes maximum
ADVANCED PERFORMER II
Born in 2000/1999 – 25 minutes maximum
PROFESSIONAL
Born in 1998 and older – 25 minutes maximum

Participants must perform within their designated age group and should not compete in categories above or below their age. Proof of age may be requested by the competition committee.

3. REPERTOIRE & VIDEO GUIDELINES

Participants are free to select their own repertoire, and all evaluations will be based on video submissions. Participants may submit any published piece or combination of pieces, provided the total duration adheres to the maximum time limits outlined above. Cuts can be made to fit time requirements if necessary. Acceptable video entries include performances with piano, orchestra, chamber ensemble, wind band, percussion, or any other accompaniment specified in the published work. The competition will accept recordings with pre-recorded accompaniment for those unable to record with a live accompanist due to social distancing measures.

Videos must have been recorded within 18 months prior to the deadline, which is March 17, 2025. Each performance must be presented in a single take, without any edits. If multiple pieces are submitted, they must be combined into a single video file that does not exceed the time limits for the participant’s age category. The Salzburg International Music Competition reserves the right to disqualify any entry that has been edited in a manner that is not compliant with this rule. Participants may use multiple cameras for recording, but no additional sound effects should be added. An introductory title including the musician’s name, title of the piece, and composer is permissible.

Sheet music submission is not required at the time of application, but if requested by the committee, participants must provide an original score or a copy accompanied by the publisher’s written permission for use in the competition. There is no live round, and all awards will be determined based on video submissions. It is recommended that participants submit the highest quality videos possible to accurately represent their performances.

4. MARKING SYSTEM

FIRST PRIZE
Awarded to the competitor who scores at least 93/100 points
SECOND PRIZE
Awarded to the competitor who scores at least 86/100 points
THIRD PRIZE
Awarded to the competitor who scores at least 79/100 points
FOURTH PRIZE
Awarded to the competitor who scores at least 72/100 points
Special Mention
Awarded to the competitor who scores at least 65/100 points
Honorary Mention
Awarded to the competitor who scores at least 55/100 points

There is no limit to the number of awards that may be granted.

5. TERMS & CONDITIONS

A link to the full terms and conditions can be found at the bottom of this website. The competition reserves the right to update these rules at any time, and the final interpretation of these rules rests with the International Schubert Competition Vienna.