IYACC The 21st International Music Competition — Rules and Regulations
A. 【Competition Structure & Categories】
To provide focused and professional adjudication, the competition is specialized into the following categories: Piano, Strings, Brass, Woodwind, Harp, Drum Kit, and Vocal. Please note that the Drum Kit category is accepted for Online Competition ONLY and is not available for Live Competition. We warmly invite contestants aged 2–18 to showcase their musical talents through Live or Online formats.
B. 【Live Competition — Rules & Details】
- 1. Venue: Sky Music Studio, Kwun Tong (觀塘 Sky Music Studio)
- 2. Admission: Maximum one adult (parent or guardian) per contestant due to venue capacity. Participants and accompanying adults may only enter during their designated time slot and must leave at the end of it.
- 3. Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early. Latecomers will not be granted makeup slots.
- 4. Accompaniment: Accompaniment (pianist or MP3) is allowed for non-piano classes. Must notify the organizer by 21 October 2026. MP3 backing tracks are due by 29 October 2026.
- 5. Awards Distribution: The award ceremony will be held after the competition. Champion, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Merit awards will each receive a trophy. Each participant will receive a certificate of achievement. All awards are non-transferable, and no replacements will be given for any damage or loss. Winners may apply for an additional trophy for school display purposes.
- 6. Tied Scores: In the case of same marks, each group award will have more than one winner. For example, if Participant A and Participant B both scored 100 points, they will both be awarded Champion.
- 7. Independent Judging: Each instrument will be judged separately. For example, [Flute, Grade 1 ABRSM] is one group, and [Oboe, Grade 1 ABRSM] is another.
- 8. Equipment: Only a piano will be provided by the organization. Other instruments and tools must be brought by participants. The organizer will not be responsible for any damage or loss. (Note: Drum Kit is accepted for Online Competition ONLY; Harp rental is available if booked before the registration deadline.)
- 9. Venue Rules: No food is allowed inside the competition venue, and disruptive behavior, including noise, running, or disobeying staff instructions, is strictly prohibited. Any violation will result in immediate disqualification.
- 10. Final Decision: The final decision of the competition results will be made by the organizer, and no objections will be accepted. The organizer reserves the right to make the final decision regarding all aspects of the competition.
- 11. Personal Belongings: All participants are responsible for the safekeeping of their personal belongings and should pay attention to their own and others' safety during the competition. The organizer will not be responsible for any loss or accidents.
- 12. Rule Changes: The organizer reserves the right to change the competition rules, regulations, and arrangements, including the date and venue, without prior notice. In case of any dispute, the organizer's decision will be final.
- 13. Data Privacy: All personal information collected by the organizers will be kept confidential. The organization reserves the right to use information, photos, or works related to the competition or winners for promotional activities related to the competition, including but not limited to publications, press releases, and websites.
- 14. Agreement: Please read the competition rules and regulations carefully. Once registered, participants or parents/guardians indicate their agreement to abide by the competition regulations and arrangements made by the organizing committee. Under no circumstances will registration fees be refunded.
C. 【Online Competition — Rules & Details】
- 1. Categories: Online Competition covers Piano, Strings, Brass, Woodwind, Harp, Drum Kit, and Vocal.
- 2. Video Requirements: One continuous, unedited take showing the contestant's face and instrument clearly. Any camera or phone is acceptable.
- 3. Performance: Memorization is not mandatory. There are no restrictions on accompaniment or location.
- 4. Registration Deadline: 21 October 2026.
- 5. Submission Deadline: 8 November 2026.
- 6. Results: Announced on 18 November 2026.
- 7. Trophy Delivery: The entry fee does not include trophy mailing costs. Trophies will be sent via SF Express (Cash on Delivery). Trophies are available by mail only; self-pickup is not allowed.
- 8. Final Decision: The competition results are final as decided by the organizer's adjudicators. No objections are allowed, otherwise disqualification will result. The organizer reserves the right to make final decisions on all arrangements.
- 9. Data Privacy: All personal data collected will be kept confidential. The organizer reserves the right to use contestant or winner details, photos, or works for promotional activities, including but not limited to publications, press releases, and websites.
- 10. Agreement: Please read the rules and regulations carefully. By registering, contestants or parents agree to abide by the rules and the organizer's arrangements. Registration fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
Methods for Submitting Competition Videos:
(You MUST indicate the participant's English full name, competition class, contact phone number, and award mailing address.)
- Send the video / video link to WhatsApp at 9261 9309
- Email the video / video link to music@iyacc.org
- Upload to YouTube and email the link to music@iyacc.org
- Share the video link via Google Drive to WhatsApp 9261 9309
D. 【Adjudication & Awards】
1. Judging Criteria & Marks
- A. Instruments are judged separately.
- B. Criteria: Technical Proficiency, Musical Interpretation, Stage Presentation.
- C. Marks: Champion (96-100), 1st Runner-up (91-95), 2nd Runner-up (86-90), Gold (81-85), Silver (76-80), Bronze (71-75), Merit (40-70).
- D. All receive a comment sheet.
2. Individual Awards
- Ranks include Champion, 1st/2nd Runner-up, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Merit (all receive a trophy), and Participation Certificate. Online Competition trophies are delivered via SF Express (Cash on Delivery).
3. Teacher Awards
- A. Best Instructor Award: The teacher of a Champion will receive a commemorative certificate (sent via SF Express, receiver pays).
- B. Registration Requirement: Contestants MUST provide their Instructor/School name and phone number at registration. If left blank, certificates will not be issued or re-issued.
E. 【Sheet Music Submission】
- 1. Digital Submission: For adjudication purposes, contestants must submit a copy of their music score. Do NOT mail physical scores.
- 2. Upload Requirement: Please scan your sheet music into a PDF file and email it to music@iyacc.org on or before 21 October 2026.
- 3. File Naming: Please name the file:
Contestant Name_Instrument_Grade.pdf (e.g., ChanTaiMan_Piano_Grade1.pdf).
F. 【Key Dates Recap】
📅 Online Competition
| Event | Date |
| Registration & Payment Deadline | 21 October 2026 |
| Sheet Music Submission Deadline (PDF) | 21 October 2026 |
| Video Submission Deadline | 8 November 2026 |
| Results Announcement | 18 November 2026 |
📅 Live Competition
| Event | Date |
| Registration & Payment Deadline | 21 October 2026 |
| Sheet Music Submission Deadline (PDF) | 21 October 2026 |
| Accompaniment Application Deadline (WhatsApp) | 21 October 2026 |
| MP3 Accompaniment Submission Deadline | 29 October 2026 |
| Live Competition Time Announcement | 29 October 2026 |
| Competition Dates | 7 – 8 November 2026 |
General Terms: Organized by International Youth Arts & Cultural Centre 國際青少年文藝培訓中心 (https://www.iyacc.org/). The organizer reserves the right to change rules without prior notice. Registration fees are non-refundable.