RULES AND REGULATIONS

Eligibility

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The Miclot International Music Competition is open to solo instrumentalists ages 6–30 in the following categories:
Piano; Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass); Woodwinds; Brass; Harp.

Age Groups:

  • Division I: Ages 6-9

  • Division II: Ages 10-12

  • Division III: Ages 13-15

  • Division IV: Ages 16-18 (must be currently enrolled in high school or equivalent)

  • Young Artist Division: Ages 19-30 (new 2026)

    • The Young Artist Division is intended for undergraduate students, graduate students, and emerging professional musicians.

*The age category is determined based on the competitor's age as of June 30th, 2026. Proof of age MUST be provided upon request for each competitor.

Performance Requirements

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  • Repertoire:
    Choose one solo piece or one movement from a Suite, Sonata, or Concerto from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or 20th/21st-century periods. Maximum performance duration: 6 minutes.

  • Memorization:
    All repertoire must be performed from memory, except for works composed on or after January 1, 1950, which may be performed with or without score.

  • Accompaniment:
    Repertoire requiring accompaniment must be performed with a live accompanist.

Application Procedures

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Applicants have the option to audition either online (video submission) or live in person. Both audition formats are evaluated equally, and neither option provides any advantage over the other.

Application Deadlines:

  • Regular Deadline: May 15th, 2026 at 11:59PM ET.

  • Late Deadline: June 7th, 2026 at 11:59PM ET. (Late applicants must submit video auditions only.)

How to Apply:

  1. Complete and submit the full application form at miclotcompetition.org/apply.

  2. Provide the required information, including:

    • Student details

    • Parent/Guardian contact information

    • Teacher details

  3. Pay the non-refundable application fee at the time of submission:

    • $130 USD for applications submitted by May 15, 2026 at 11:59PM ET.

    • $180 USD for late applications submitted by June 7th, 2026 at 11:59PM ET.

  4. Once a student's complete application is received, a confirmation message will be sent.

Results Announcement:

  • Competition results will be announced by June 30, 2026.

  • All jury decisions are final and cannot be contested.

LIVE Competition

  • Audition Locations & Dates:

    • Boston: Saturday,May 30th, 2026, at the New England Conservatory, 290 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA.

    • New York City: Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at the Piano Piano Studio, 37 W 65th St, 4th Floor, New York, NY.

  • Audition Schedule:

    • Individual audition times will be emailed a few days before the audition date. Please note that personal audition time requests cannot be accommodated.

  • Audition Guidelines:

    • Please do not make your own cuts for the audition pieces; the jury will determine cuts if necessary.

    • Performers must submit only one score to the jury (photocopies are allowed).

    • The performer needs to bring his/her own accompanist. If a performer needs an accompanist, please contact Kay@miclot.org

ONLINE Competition

  • Video Submission:

    • Applicants must upload a YouTube link in the online application form.

    • Videos must not be filmed more than six months prior to submission.

  • Performance Guidelines:

    • At the beginning of the recording, the performer must state their full name, instrument, and age.

    • The repertoire must not exceed 6 minutes in total length. If the submitted video exceeds the time limit, only the first 6 minutes will be considered, and cuts will be made accordingly.

    • Each piece must be performed in one continuous, unedited take.

    • Videos must be recorded in landscape mode.

    • Contestants should wear their best performance attire.