Rules and Eligibilities
Age Groups
| Group A | Ages 8 and Under |
| Group B | Ages 9-11 |
| Group C | Ages 12-14 |
| Group D | Ages 15-18 |
** Age groups are determined based on the participant’s actual age on the date of the live audition. Providing false age information may result in disqualification.
Repertoire Requirements
Participants must perform one original composition from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Modern periods from memory
- Each movement of Sonatina, Sonata or Concerto will be considered as one piece.
- All applicants must prepare to perform complete works or complete movements. Personal cuts or shortened versions are not permitted. Judges may stop a performance at their discretion if they have heard sufficient material for evaluation. Any self-edited performance may result in disqualification.
- No changes to the submitted repertoire may be made once an application has been submitted.
Solo Instrumentalist:
Simplified or modified editions, popular music, and non-classical pieces from method books will not be accepted. All solo performances are required to be played from memory. Performances using sheet music will not be accepted and may result in disqualification.
Chamber Ensembles
Any form of ensemble is welcome. However, due to the limited availability of pianos at the live audition venue, ensembles requiring more than one piano must audition by video submission. One Piano Four Hands will be accepted for live audition. Participants in the Chamber Ensemble Division may use music during the competition.
Audition Guideline
Participants may choose to compete by live audition
or
through video submission.
Live auditions will be held on
April 26, 2026
Piano Piano Rehearsal Studio
37 West 65th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10023
If you choose to audition by video submission, you MUST submit your application with or without the YouTube link by the application due date, April 12, 2026 (late applications accepted until April 19th). After the application due date, you may send your YouTube link to VITAScompetition@gmail.com by April 19, 2026. YouTube links must be clearly labeled with the competitor’s name and the audition repertoire.
Competition recordings need not be of professional quality but must be free of background noise. Be sure to maintain an appropriate balance between soloist and accompaniment.
Videos recorded by or belonging to another organization may not be submitted without written permission.
- Please note that VITAS International Music Competition does not provide accompanists during the competition. Competitors are required to bring their own accompanist.
- A copy of the score must be provided for the jury on the day of the competition. We advise performers to dress appropriately. Jeans, sportswear, sneakers, and boots are not advisable.