Rising Stars International Music Competition
Rules and Regulations
1. General Information
Rising Stars International Music Competition is an international online music competition open to young musicians and performers from all countries and nationalities.
The competition is held through online video submission. Participants are judged exclusively on the submitted performance recordings.
The aim of the competition is to support talented musicians, encourage artistic development, and provide an international platform for performers of different instruments, voices, styles, and cultural backgrounds.
By submitting an application, participants and their parents or legal guardians, where applicable, agree to all competition rules and regulations.
2. Eligibility
The competition is open to soloists, singers, composers, and ensembles.
Participants may apply from any country.
Applicants under the age of 18 must apply with the permission of a parent or legal guardian.
The competition is open to the following categories:
Piano and Keyboard Instruments
Piano, electronic keyboard, organ, and related keyboard instruments.
String Instruments
Violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, harp, and related string instruments.
Woodwind Instruments
Flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, recorder, and related woodwind instruments.
Brass Instruments
Horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, euphonium, cornet, and related brass instruments.
Percussion Instruments
Snare drum, timpani, marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, multi-percussion setup, orchestral percussion, and drum set.
World Instruments
Oud, qanun, nay, saz, sitar, tabla, djembe, koto, erhu, guzheng, bagpipes, pan flute, and other traditional instruments from different cultures.
Voice
Classical singing, pop, jazz, musical theatre, traditional singing, and other vocal styles.
Composition
Original works by the participant.
Ensembles
Duo, trio, chamber groups, bands, vocal ensembles, mixed ensembles, and groups of up to 15 performers.
3. Competition Format
The competition is conducted online in one round.
Participants must submit a video recording of their performance through the official application form.
The jury will evaluate only the material submitted through the official application.
No live audition is required.
The organizers may create seasonal editions, annual editions, special categories, or final rounds when announced on the official website.
4. Application Rules
Each application must be submitted through the official online form.
Participants must provide:
Full name of the participant
Date of birth
Country of residence
Instrument or voice type
Chosen category
Repertoire details: title, composer, and duration
Video link
Portrait photo
Teacher name, if applicable
Accompanist name, if applicable
Proof of payment
Parent or guardian details for applicants under 18
A participant may apply for more than one category, but a separate application and application fee must be submitted for each category.
A participant applying with more than one instrument must submit a separate application for each instrument.
Application fees are non-refundable once the application has been submitted, except in the case of competition cancellation by the organizers.
5. Age Categories and Time Limits
The participant’s age category is determined by their age on the application deadline date.
Age-Performance Categories
Young Talent I
Age 6 and under
Maximum performance time: 5 minutes
Young Talent II
Age 8 and under
Maximum performance time: 6 minutes
Young Talent III
Age 10 and under
Maximum performance time: 7 minutes
Young Artist I
Age 12 and under
Maximum performance time: 10 minutes
Young Artist II
Age 15 and under
Maximum performance time: 12 minutes
Young Master
Age 18 and under
Maximum performance time: 15 minutes
Master Category
Age 28 and under
Maximum performance time: 20 minutes
Open Category
Age 29 and above
Maximum performance time: 20 minutes
6. Theme Categories
Participants may also apply to special theme categories.
Theme categories may include:
Baroque Music
Classical Period Music
Romantic Period Music
20th and 21st Century Music
Etude or Study
Sonata or Sonatina
Concerto
Jazz Performance
Pop Performance
Musical Theatre
Traditional and World Music
Original Composition
Chamber Music
Contemporary Performance
Free Choice Performance
For theme categories, participants should perform one piece or one movement that clearly represents the chosen category.
7. Exam Categories
The competition accepts exam repertoire from international examination systems, including but not limited to:
ABRSM
Trinity College London
Rockschool / RSL Awards
London College of Music
MTB Exams
Other recognized examination boards
Exam categories may include:
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Diploma / Advanced Level
For exam categories, participants should submit one piece from an official exam syllabus or equivalent level.
8. Repertoire
Repertoire is free choice unless a specific category requires otherwise.
Participants may perform one or more pieces, provided the total duration does not exceed the time limit of the selected category.
Classical instrumentalists may perform solo, with piano accompaniment, backing track, or orchestra recording.
Singers may perform with live accompaniment, backing track, or a cappella where appropriate.
World instrument performers may perform solo or with traditional accompaniment.
For composition entries, the participant must submit an original work. A score may be requested by the jury.
9. Video Requirements
Only video recordings are accepted. Audio-only recordings are not accepted.
The video must clearly show the performer, face, hands, and instrument where applicable.
For singers, the face and upper body should be clearly visible.
For percussion and drum set, the camera angle should show the performer and the main instruments being played.
For ensembles, all performers should be visible as much as possible.
The submitted video must contain the exact piece or pieces entered for the competition. The jury will not accept instructions such as “please start watching from minute 2:30.”
The video should be uploaded as a public or unlisted link on YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, OneDrive, or another accessible online platform.
Private links, expired links, or links requiring special permission may lead to disqualification.
The sound must be clear enough for the jury to evaluate the performance.
Editing that changes or improves the performance is not allowed. Audio effects, artificial correction, splicing, miming, or replacing the original sound are not permitted.
Separate videos may be submitted for different pieces only if the category allows more than one piece.
If a video exceeds the category time limit, the jury may stop listening after the allowed time. If the video exceeds the limit by more than 60 seconds, the application may be disqualified.
10. Accompaniment
Accompaniment is allowed but not mandatory, unless the repertoire requires it.
Participants may perform with:
Piano accompaniment
Orchestra recording
Backing track
Traditional accompaniment
Band accompaniment
A cappella, where appropriate
The accompanist will not be judged unless entered as part of an ensemble category.
The accompaniment must not overpower the soloist.
11. Ensembles
Ensemble categories are open to duos, trios, quartets, chamber groups, bands, vocal groups, and mixed ensembles.
The age category of an ensemble is determined by the average age of the performers, excluding accompanists and conductors.
Ensembles may include up to 15 performers.
A conductor, teacher, or accompanist may participate only if their role is supportive and not part of the judged ensemble, unless the group is entered in a specific student-teacher or mixed category.
12. Jury
The jury will consist of professional musicians, teachers, performers, conductors, and specialists in the relevant categories.
The organizers reserve the right to appoint jury members according to the number and type of applications received.
The jury evaluates the submitted recordings independently and professionally.
The jury’s decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Participants, parents, teachers, or representatives may not contact jury members regarding competition results. Any attempt to influence the jury may result in disqualification.
13. Evaluation Criteria
Participants will be judged on a 100-point scale.
The jury may consider:
Technique and Accuracy
Control, intonation, rhythm, articulation, coordination, and technical preparation.
Musicality and Expression
Phrasing, dynamics, tone quality, character, and emotional communication.
Style and Interpretation
Understanding of the musical style, period, genre, or tradition.
Stage Presence and Presentation
Confidence, professionalism, posture, communication, and overall performance quality.
Artistic Individuality
Creativity, personality, originality, and musical identity.
For ensembles, the jury may also consider balance, communication, teamwork, and ensemble coordination.
For composition, the jury may consider originality, structure, musical ideas, notation, and artistic impact.
14. Awards
Awards are based on the final average score given by the jury.
Grand Prix
Awarded to an outstanding participant with the highest overall result, at the jury’s discretion.
First Prize
90 to 100 points
Second Prize
80 to 89 points
Third Prize
70 to 79 points
Diploma / Certificate of Achievement
60 to 69 points
Certificate of Participation
Awarded to participants below 60 points or to all participants, depending on the edition.
The jury may award more than one prize in each category.
The jury may decide not to award a prize if the required artistic level is not reached.
Special awards may be given for:
Best Young Performer
Best Interpretation
Best Technique
Best Stage Presence
Best World Music Performance
Best Vocal Performance
Best Percussion Performance
Best Ensemble
Best Original Composition
Rising Star Award
15. Certificates and Diplomas
All participants will receive a digital certificate.
Prize winners will receive official digital diplomas.
Teachers and accompanists may receive certificates upon request.
Selected winners may be featured on the official website, social media pages, or online winners’ gallery.
Printed certificates, trophies, medals, or other physical awards may be offered at an additional cost if announced by the organizers.
16. Competition Editions and Results
The Rising Stars International Music Competition is held in two editions each year:
Winter Edition
The Winter Edition closes on 1 January. Results and diplomas will be sent to participants by the end of January.
Summer Edition
The Summer Edition closes on 1 July. Results and diplomas will be sent to participants by the end of July.
A new edition begins immediately after the previous edition closes, allowing participants to apply continuously throughout the year.
All submitted applications must be completed before the closing date of the selected edition. Results will be announced after the jury evaluation process is completed, and diplomas will be sent digitally to the email address provided during registration.
Results will be published on the official competition website or sent by email on the announced results date.
The organizers are not responsible for incorrect email addresses or inactive contact details provided by the applicant.
Diplomas and certificates will be sent after the official announcement of results.
17. Copyright and Media Permission
Participants retain ownership of their performances and recordings.
By entering the competition, participants grant Rising Stars International Music Competition permission to use submitted photos, names, biographies, results, and excerpts from submitted videos for competition-related promotion, including website, social media, digital publications, and winners’ announcements.
For participants under 18, this permission must be granted by a parent or legal guardian.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that they have the right to submit and share their performance videos.
18. Disqualification
The organizers reserve the right to disqualify an application if:
The application is incomplete
The application fee has not been paid
The participant submits false information
The video link does not work
The video is private or inaccessible
The performance is edited or artificially enhanced
The recording does not show the performer clearly
The repertoire does not match the selected category
The performance exceeds the time limit by more than 60 seconds
The participant, parent, teacher, or representative contacts the jury about results
The submitted material is offensive, inappropriate, or violates copyright
Disqualified applicants are not entitled to a refund.
19. Changes to Rules
The organizers reserve the right to update competition rules, categories, jury members, deadlines, fees, award names, and results publication dates when necessary.
Any important updates will be published on the official website.
20. Acceptance of Rules
By submitting the application form, the participant confirms that they have read, understood, and accepted all rules of the Rising Stars International Music Competition.
For participants under 18, the parent or legal guardian confirms acceptance of the rules on behalf of the participant.