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Rules & Guidelines

TIMETABLE – 2025 EDITION

  • July 31st, 2025 – Deadline for FREE APPLICATION
  • August 1st–6th, 2025 – Evaluation and Judging of submitted video entries
  • August 7th–8th, 2025 – Notification of Finalists
  • August 7th–11th, 2025 – Submission for Final Round & Payment of Administrative Fees
  • September 5th, 2025 – Announcement of competition results
  • September 20th, 2025 – Dispatch of E-Certificates

COMPETITION GUIDELINES 2025

The Berlin Classical Music Competition is divided into two online phases: a Preliminary Round and a Final Round. It offers an accessible, international platform for classical musicians of all ages and levels to showcase their talent.

1. COMPETITION PROCEDURE

1.1 Preliminary Round (FREE APPLICATION)

Participants may apply for free by submitting a video recording of their performance via the application form available on the official competition website.

All participants must comply with the video and repertoire guidelines detailed in Section 3. Non-compliance may lead to disqualification.

1.2 Final Round (INVITATION & APPLICATION)

Only selected participants from the preliminary round will receive an invitation via email to proceed to the Final Round. They may either submit the same video or a new recording before the submission deadline.

Finalists must:

  • Complete the Final Round Application Form.
  • Submit payment of the administrative fee using a secure online payment portal.

Final Round Fees:

  • Individual Final Application Fee: €89
  • Chamber Group Final Application Fee: €148
    All payments are non-refundable.

If the participant is a minor, their parent or guardian must authorize the competition to use the participant’s name, image, and video in promotional materials.

2. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS & TIME LIMITS

The competition is open to musicians of all nationalities and ages. Participants will be judged within their corresponding age category.

CategoryBirth YearTime Limit
Child ProdigyBorn in 2020 or laterup to 10 minutes
Rising Star IBorn in 2019–2018up to 10 minutes
Rising Star IIBorn in 2017–2016up to 10 minutes
Junior Virtuoso IBorn in 2015–2014up to 15 minutes
Junior Virtuoso IIBorn in 2013–2012up to 15 minutes
Aspiring Artist IBorn in 2011–2010up to 20 minutes
Aspiring Artist IIBorn in 2009–2008up to 20 minutes
Emerging Talent IBorn in 2007–2006up to 20 minutes
Emerging Talent IIBorn in 2005–2004up to 20 minutes
Advanced Performer IBorn in 2003–2002up to 25 minutes
Advanced Performer IIBorn in 2001–2000up to 25 minutes
ProfessionalBorn in 1999 or earlierup to 25 minutes

Participants must apply only in their age group. Proof of age may be requested.

3. REPERTOIRE & VIDEO GUIDELINES

  • Repertoire is free choice but must fit within the time limit of the chosen category.
  • Acceptable videos: solo, with piano/orchestral accompaniment, chamber ensemble, or other as required by the work.
  • COVID-19 Exception: Pre-recorded accompaniment is acceptable if live accompaniment was not feasible.
  • Videos must be recorded within 18 months prior to the deadline: before July 31st, 2025.
  • Videos must be continuous, unedited performances. Multiple pieces may be combined into one video file.
  • Multi-camera angles are allowed, but no audio effects or enhancements.
  • Include optional title cards (performer name, title, and composer).
  • No score submission is required unless requested.

All awards will be determined by video; there is no live round.

4. MARKING SYSTEM

AwardScore Range
First Prize93–100 points
Second Prize86–92 points
Third Prize79–85 points
Fourth Prize72–78 points
Special Mention65–71 points
Honorary Mention55–64 points

There is no limit to the number of awards per category; ties may occur if multiple participants score the same.

5. TERMS & CONDITIONS

The full terms and conditions are available on the competition website. The Berlin Classical Music Competition reserves the right to make changes at any time. Final interpretation of the rules rests with the organizing committee.