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Piano Academy of Ireland — National Piano Festival

Rules & Regulations

14th Edition — 2026

🎤 Festival Competition: 22–23 May 2026 · Rathgar Methodist Church, Dublin 6
🎵 20th Anniversary Concert: 27 June at the National Concert Hall
📅 Entry Deadline: 10th May 2026 · No Late entries accepted

I. Registration and Entry

  1. All entries must be submitted through the official online registration form and will only be processed once full payment has been received. Incomplete entries will not be processed.
  2. The closing date for entries will be published on the Festival website. Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of Festival administration and may incur an additional administrative fee.
  3. All completed entries submitted by the stated deadline will be accepted, subject to eligibility, class availability, and compliance with Festival Rules and Regulations.
  4. Entry fees are non-refundable except in the event that a class is cancelled by the Festival.
  5. No changes to repertoire, category, or competitor details will be permitted after submission except with the approval of Festival administration.
  6. The Festival is committed to accessibility, inclusion, and encouraging broad participation. Limited financial assistance or fee support may be available for participants with demonstrated need. All such enquiries will be treated confidentially.

II. Age and Eligibility

  1. Competitors’ ages will be determined as of 1 January 2026.
  2. Competitors may be asked to provide proof of age or identity if required.
  3. Previous first-prize winners may not enter the same category again, unless otherwise stated by the Festival.
  4. The Festival reserves the right to determine eligibility in all cases and to move a participant to a more appropriate category where necessary.

III. Schedule and Performance Requirements

  1. The Festival schedule will be made available online in advance of the event where possible.
  2. Competitors are responsible for checking their own class date, time, and venue.
  3. Each competitor will perform one piece of their own choice, except in categories where alternative repertoire requirements are specifically stated.
  4. Participants may not perform the same piece in more than one category during the same Festival.
  5. Competitors will perform one piece in each category, except in the Repertoire category, where programmes must consist of a minimum of two and a maximum of three pieces, with a total performance time of between 5 and 7 minutes.
  6. Performances exceeding the stated time limit may be stopped at the discretion of the adjudicator.
  7. The performer’s piece may be heard in full or in part at the discretion of the adjudicator.
  8. Competitors must be ready to perform when called. Late arrival may result in the loss of the performance opportunity, at the discretion of Festival administration.
  9. The order of performance will be determined by the Festival.

IV. Music and Adjudication

  1. Competitors must provide a clean, clear copy of their music for the adjudicator.
  2. The adjudicator’s decision is final.
  3. Performers must achieve a minimum mark of 86% to be awarded first prize and 81% to be awarded second prize.
  4. Prizes will be awarded only where, in the opinion of the adjudicator, the required standard has been achieved.
  5. The Festival reserves the right not to award a prize in any category if a sufficient standard is not reached.
  6. No discussion or correspondence regarding adjudication, marks, or results will be entered into.

V. Prizes, Gifts, and Prizewinners Concert

  1. Prizewinners will be announced at the conclusion of their class or as otherwise determined by the Festival.
  2. All participants will receive a Festival gift in recognition of their participation.
  3. The Prizewinners Concert will take place at Rathgar Methodist Church, or at such venue as the Festival may determine.
  4. Participation in the Prizewinners Concert is by invitation of the Festival and is not automatically guaranteed by prize placement.

VI. Festival Administration

  1. The Festival reserves the right to change the time, venue, adjudicator, format, or order of performances where necessary.
  2. If a large number of entries is received for a category, that category may be divided into separate groups.
  3. If entry numbers are low, the Festival reserves the right to combine or cancel categories where necessary.
  4. The Festival reserves the right to make any adjustments necessary for the smooth, fair, and efficient running of the event.

VII. Conduct and General Conditions

  1. The Festival aims to provide a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment for all participants, families, teachers, and audience members.
  2. All competitors, teachers, parents, and supporters are expected to behave in a courteous and respectful manner toward Festival staff, volunteers, adjudicators, and other participants.
  3. Any behaviour that disrupts the event or undermines the safe and orderly running of the Festival may result in removal from the venue or disqualification.
  4. The Festival reserves the right to decline or withdraw an entry in cases of ineligibility, non-compliance with Festival Rules and Regulations, or conduct likely to disrupt the event.

VIII. Media and Publicity

  1. The Festival may photograph or record performances and events for archival, promotional, educational, or publicity purposes.
  2. By entering the Festival, participants and their parents or guardians grant permission for the use of names, photographs, and recordings in Festival materials, unless otherwise requested in writing in advance.
  3. Private recording or photography during performances may be restricted except with permission from Festival administration.

IX. Final Provisions

  1. The Festival reserves the right to amend these Rules and Regulations where necessary.
  2. Submission of an entry constitutes acceptance of all Festival Rules and Regulations.

Questions or Queries?

If you have any questions about the Rules and Regulations, categories, or registration process, please contact us.

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