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RULES

1. General Information

  • The Beethoven Award is an international online music competition organized in partnership with the Universal Maestro Society.
  • The competition is open to musicians of all ages and nationalities.
  • Eligible categories include: all instruments (solo), voice, chamber ensembles, composers and conductors.
  • Repertoire is free of choice. There is no obligation to perform Beethoven’s works.

2. Schedule – WINTER 2026 Edition

  • 17 January 2026 – Deadline for the Preliminary Round entries
  • 18–20 January 2026 – Preliminary Round auditions
  • 21 January 2026 – Preliminary Round results (sent by email)
  • 21–25 January 2026 – Acceptance of entries for the Final Round
  • 26–30 January 2026 – Final Round auditions
  • 31 January 2026 at 6 PM CET – Results Announcement

3. Competition Format – “Risk-Free Competition”

  • The competition consists of two rounds:
    1. Preliminary Round – free of charge. Participants submit one video. The jury evaluates all performances and selects candidates for the Final Round.
    2. Final Round – Only invited candidates may enter. If a candidate chooses to participate in the Final Round, a prize is guaranteed – every finalist becomes a laureate.

4. Categories

  • Solo instruments (piano, strings, winds, percussion, traditional instruments, etc.)
  • Voice (all voice types)
  • Chamber ensembles (any combination) – without age groups
  • Composition (all kind)
  • Conducting – without age groups

Age groups (applied to all categories except chamber ensembles and conducting):

  • Group A – up to 7 years old (inclusive)
  • Group B – 8–9 years old
  • Group C – 10–11 years old
  • Group D – 12–13 years old
  • Group E – 14–15 years old
  • Group F – 16–17 years old
  • Group G – 18–20 years old
  • Group H – 21–25 years old
  • Group I  – 26 years old and above

The participant’s age group is determined as of the competition deadline (17 October 2025).

5. Repertoire

  • Free choice of repertoire from any period and style.
  • Performances may include complete works or selected movements.
  • Candidates are encouraged to present a representative recordings within reasonable length (up to 30 min).

6. Application & Video Submission

  • Applications must be submitted exclusively via the online application form available on beethovenaward.com.
  • Participants must provide a video link (YouTube, Vimeo, or similar platform). The video must clearly show both the performer and the instrument/voice.
  • Edited or studio-level recordings are accepted as long as they fairly represent the performer’s skills.
  • Do not upload or send files for download (WeTransfer, Dropbox etc.); only direct streaming links are accepted.

Exception for composers:

  • Composers may submit an audio recording link instead of a video.
  • The recording may be performed either by live musicians or generated using computer software.
  • Submission of scores (sheet music) is not required.
  • As with video, only links are accepted; please do not send downloadable files.

7. Prizes & Diplomas

  • Platinum Prize – exceptional performances; each Platinum Laureate receives a €200 cash prize.
  • Gold Prize – outstanding performances.
  • Silver Prize – high-level artistic and technical achievement.
  • Bronze Prize – noteworthy performances.
  • Special Awards – additional prizes highlighting unique qualities, repertoire, or artistic contributions.

All laureates receive a beautifully designed digital diploma.
Each winner is also granted an individual poster with their achievements.
On request, teachers may receive Teacher Appreciation Diplomas.

8. Jury & Evaluation

  • The jury is composed of internationally recognized musicians and educators.
  • The names of the jury members will not be disclosed, in order to ensure full independence and impartiality.
  • Decisions of the jury are final and cannot be appealed.
  • The jury reserves the right not to award a prize in any given category.

Evaluation system:

  • Platinum Prize – 25 points
  • Gold Prize – 24 – 22 points
  • Silver Prize – 21-20 points
  • Bronze Prize – 19-17 points
  • Special distinctions may be awarded outside the point scale.

Criteria for evaluation include:

  • Technical mastery
  • Musicality and interpretation
  • Artistic individuality and creativity
  • Choice of repertoire and overall presentation

Screening procedure:

  • In the Preliminary Round, the jury may listen to the submissions only partially or in excerpts in order to identify the most promising candidates.
  • In the Final Round, all performances are listened to in full before the final decision is made.

9. Promotion of Laureates

  • Winners are promoted internationally through the Universal Maestro Society (UMS).
  • Platinum and Gold Prize winners with Special Mention will be highlighted in the official competition post published on partner platforms.
  • Recordings of main prize winners will be featured in the official Winners’ Gallery on the competition website.
  • Selected laureates will be invited for interviews published online.

10. Entry Fees

  • Preliminary Round – free of charge.
  • Final Round – participation fee applies – €89.50 (to be paid only by invited candidates who choose to continue).
  • The fee is non-refundable.

11. Certificates & Diplomas

  • Diplomas will be issued in digital format (PDF).
  • Digital diplomas are official and valid.
  • Teacher Appreciation Diplomas are available on request.

12. Terms & Conditions

  • By submitting an application, participants agree to the Rules of the competition.
  • All submitted materials may be used by the organizers for promotional purposes of Universal Maestro Society