• For all locations, the preliminary round is on October 19th, 2025. Video links must be submitted with your application by this date. Please ensure your video links are working and accessible. If using a YouTube link, the video’s privacy setting must be set to “unlisted.”

Beijing, China

• Details for this location are still being finalized, and will be available soon.

Changwon, Korea

• Final Round Registration Begins – October 20th, 2025
• Final Round Registration Deadline – October 25th, 2025
• Final Round – Live In-Person – November 1st, 2025

Guangzhou, China

• Details for this location are still being finalized, and will be available soon.

Hanoi, Vietnam

• Final Round Registration Deadline – October 25th, 2025
• Final Round – Live In-Person – November 8th, 2025

Jeju, Korea

• Final Round Registration Begins – October 20th, 2025
• Final Round Registration Deadline – October 25th, 2025
• Final Round – Live In-Person – November 15th, 2025

Northern California, United States

• Final Round Registration Begins – October 25th, 2025
• Final Round Registration Deadline – November 5th, 2025
• Final Round – Live In-Person – November 15th, 2025
• Location: To Be Announced

Saigon, Vietnam

• Final Round Registration Deadline – October 25th, 2025
• Final Round – Live In-Person – November 8th, 2025

Seoul, Korea

• Final Round Registration Begins – October 20th, 2025
• Final Round Registration Deadline – October 25th, 2025
• Final Round – Live In-Person – November 8th, 2025

Southern California, United States

• Final Round Registration Begins – October 25th, 2025
• Final Round Registration Deadline – November 5th, 2025
• Final Round – Live In-Person – November 23rd, 2025
• Location: Azusa Pacific University-901 E Alosta Ave, Azusa, CA 91702

Texas, United States

• Final Round Registration Begins – October 20th, 2025
• Final Round Registration Deadline – October 25th, 2025
• Final Round – Live In-Person – November 22nd, 2025

• The International Grand Autumn Competition is open to participants of all nationalities, ages, and skill levels.
• Participants can choose from a comprehensive list of instruments, including Harp, Piano, Vocal, Brass, Guitar, Strings, Winds, and World & Traditional instruments.
• The Grand Autumn Competition consists of 2 rounds. The Preliminary Round is a qualifier round in Video Submission Round. The Final round will be a live in-person event for all locations.
• There are 4 levels of difficulty: Novice (Beginner), Standard (Intermediate), Expert (Early Advanced – Advanced), and Virtuoso (Highly Competitive).

• The decision of the judges is final and irrevocable. Judging is based on performance standards.

Groups

There are a total of 17 groups. Groups 1-13 are based upon the contestant’s birth year:

Groups 14-17 have no age limit and are as follows:

• Group 14 • Amateur • Non-Music degree holder who works in a non-music related field.
• Group 15 • Collegiate • Holds a bachelor’s degree or is studying towards one.
• Group 16 • Master • Holds a master’s degree or is studying towards one.
• Group 17 • Professional • Holds a DMA degree, is studying towards one.

Composition

• All pieces for Piano or Strings must be played by memory.
• There are 4 levels of difficulty: Novice (Beginner), Standard (Intermediate), Expert (Early Advanced – Advanced), and Virtuoso (Highly Competitive).
• One piece is required for Novice, Standard and Expert Levels
• Two pieces are required for Virtuoso Level
• The same repertoire may be used for different categories within the same age group and division

Categories

• Brass: Open Choice, Baroque & Classical, Romantic & Impressionism, and 20th Century & Contemporary.
• Guitar: Open Choice, Baroque & Classical, Romantic & Impressionism, and 20th Century & Contemporary.
• Harp: Open Choice, Baroque & Classical, Romantic & Impressionism, and 20th Century & Contemporary
• Piano: Open Choice, Baroque & Classical, Romantic & Impressionism, 20th Century & Contemporary, and Chopin-Liszt.
• Strings: Open Choice, Baroque & Classical, Romantic & Impressionism, 20th Century & Contemporary, Vivaldi, and Paganini.
• Vocal: Open Choice, Baroque & Classical, Romantic & Impressionism, 20th Century & Contemporary, Art Song, Opera, and Lieder.
• Winds: Open Choice, Baroque & Classical, Romantic & Impressionism, and 20th Century & Contemporary.
• World & Traditional: Open Choice and Traditional Music

Time Limits and Fees – PRELIMINARY ROUND

• The Preliminary Round has no registration fee. However, a one-time $15 membership fee is required for all contestants who have not registered for a competition with us before.
• The time limits for the Preliminary Round are the same as the Final Round, which are listed below.

Time Limits and Fees – FINAL ROUND

• Novice: 5 minutes, $75
• Standard: 5 minutes, $80
• Expert: 7 minutes, $90
• Virtuoso: 12 minutes, $160

You may submit a video that exceeds the time limit; however, the judges will only review it up to the designated time limit. This will not affect the final result.

Duo, Duet, Quartet, Quintet, and Chamber

Groups

• Competitor’s age group will be determined by the birth year of the oldest member.
• Each member of the ensemble or chamber group has to sign up separately.

There are a total 20 groups. Groups 1-13 are based upon the contestant’s birth year:

Groups 14-20 have no age limit and are as follows:

• Group 14 • Amateur • Non-Music degree holder who works in a non-music related field.
• Group 15 • Collegiate • Holds a bachelor’s degree or is studying towards one.
• Group 16 • Master • Holds a master’s degree or is studying towards one.
• Group • Professional • Holds a DMA degree, is studying towards one.

Special Groups:

• Group 18 • Siblings
• Group 19 • Parent and Child
• Group 20 • Grandparent and Grandchild

Categories

• Duet • 1 instrument, 2 performers
• Duo • 2 instruments, 2 performers
• Trio-Quartet • 1-3 instruments, 3 or 4 performers
• Multiple • 5 or more instruments and performers

Composition

• Original compositions, arrangements, and transcriptions of entire compositions may be used.
• Memorization is not required for all disciplines.
• There are 4 levels of difficulty: Novice (Beginner), Standard (Intermediate), Expert (Early Advanced – Advanced), and Virtuoso (Highly Competitive).
• Collegiate, Master and Professional divisions may only compete at the Expert or Virtuoso levels.
• One piece or movement is required for Novice, Standard and Expert Levels
• Two pieces are required for Virtuoso Level

Time Limits and Fees – PRELIMINARY ROUND

• The Preliminary Round has no registration fee. However, a one-time $15 membership fee is required for all contestants who have not registered for a competition with us before.
• The time limits for the Preliminary Round are the same as the Final Round, which are listed below.

Time Limits and Fees per Person – FINAL ROUND

• Novice: 5 minutes, $40
• Standard: 5 minutes, $45
• Expert: 6 minutes, $50
• Virtuoso: 10 minutes, $80

You may submit a video that exceeds the time limit; however, the judges will only review it up to the designated time limit. This will not affect the final result.

Groups

There are a total of 17 groups. Groups 1-13 are based upon the contestant’s birth year:

Groups 14-17 have no age limit and are as follows:

• Group 14 • Amateur • Non-Music degree holder who works in a non-music related field.
• Group 15 • Collegiate • Holds a bachelor’s degree or is studying towards one.
• Group 16 • Master • Holds a master’s degree or is studying towards one.
• Group 17 • Professional • Holds a DMA degree, is studying towards one.

Composition

• Any movement from a Standard Concerto
• All music must be performed from memory (except for Winds and Brass).
• There are 4 levels of difficulty: Novice (Beginner), Standard (Intermediate), Expert (Early Advanced – Advanced), and Virtuoso (Highly Competitive).
• Collegiate, Master and Professional divisions may only compete at the Expert or Virtuoso levels.
• One movement is required for Novice, Standard and Expert Levels
• Two movements ( can be from the same or different concertos) are required for Virtuoso level
• For the Preliminary round, playing with an accompanist is not mandatory
• For the Final Round, Contestants are strongly encouraged to perform with and provide their own accompanist, as well as providing a PDF copy of the score for the judges.

Time Limits and Fees – PRELIMINARY ROUND

• The Preliminary Round has no registration fee. However, a one-time $15 membership fee is required for all contestants who have not registered for a competition with us before.
• The time limits for the Preliminary Round are the same as the Final Round, which are listed below.

Time Limits and Fees – FINAL ROUND

• Novice: 5 minutes, $80
• Standard: 5 minutes, $85
• Expert: 10 minutes, $115
• Virtuoso: 14 minutes, $180

You may submit a video that exceeds the time limit; however, the judges will only review it up to the designated time limit. This will not affect the final result.

Groups

There are a total of 17 groups. Groups 1-13 are based upon the contestant’s birth year:

Groups 14-17 have no age limit and are as follows:

• Group 14 • Amateur • Non-Music degree holder who works in a non-music related field.
• Group 15 • Collegiate • Holds a bachelor’s degree or is studying towards one.
• Group 16 • Master • Holds a master’s degree or is studying towards one.
• Group 17 • Professional • Holds a DMA degree, is studying towards one.

Composition

• Any one piece of your choice
• All music must be performed from memory .
• There are 4 levels of difficulty: Novice (Beginner), Standard (Intermediate), Expert (Early Advanced – Advanced), and Virtuoso (Highly Competitive).

Categories

• Blues, Contemporary Christian, Country, Folk, Gospel, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Original Composition, Pop, R&B, Rock, Traditional-Ethnic, Trance-Techno

Time Limits and Fees – PRELIMINARY ROUND

• The Preliminary Round has no registration fee. However, a one-time $15 membership fee is required for all contestants who have not registered for a competition with us before.
• The time limits for the Preliminary Round are the same as the Final Round, which are listed below.

Time Limits and Fees – FINAL ROUND

• Novice: 4 minutes, $75
• Standard: 5 minutes, $80
• Expert: 6 minutes, $90
• Virtuoso: 10 minutes, $160

You may submit a video that exceeds the time limit; however, the judges will only review it up to the designated time limit. This will not affect the final result.

The Overall Grand Prize: A Fully Funded Performance Trip

The Overall Grand Prize winner will receive an all-expenses-paid performance trip. This exclusive award includes a round-trip flight and two nights of accommodation for an unforgettable opportunity to perform at either Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York or a renowned concert hall in Europe. This prize is designed to offer a truly exceptional and once-in-a-lifetime experience for a standout performer.

Virtuoso Level Cash Prizes

The top performers in the Virtuoso Level will be awarded cash prizes. The first-place winner will receive $150, the second-place winner will be awarded $75, and the third-place winner will receive $50. These cash prizes are a direct recognition of the exceptional talent and dedication demonstrated by the highest-scoring participants in this advanced category.

IAPMT Concert Performance Award Vouchers

An Award Voucher is a non-cash prize that can be redeemed toward fees for concert tours or performances at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.

Top Score 1st Place Vouchers:

• Novice: $50
• Standard: $75
• Expert: $100
• Virtuoso: $200

Grand Prize Vouchers:

• Novice: $150
• Standard: $200
• Expert: $250
• Virtuoso: $400

OpusOne Scholarships

An OpusOne Scholarship is a non-cash prize that can be redeemed towards registration fees for the OpusOne International Music Festival in 2026.

Top Score 1st Place Scholarships:

• Novice: $100
• Standard: $150
• Expert: $200
• Virtuoso: $300

Grand Prize Scholarships:

• Novice: $200
• Standard: $300
• Expert: $400
• Virtuoso: $500

General Awards

• 🥇E-Certificates: Awarded to first through fifth place winners in the Novice, Standard, and Expert levels, and to first through fourth place winners in the Virtuoso level.

Performance Opportunities

Carnegie Hall Performances: 🎻

• January 17, 2026: First-place winners from the Novice and Standard levels will be invited to perform at the Weill Recital Hall.
• January 18, 2026: First and second-place winners from the Expert and Virtuoso levels will be invited to perform at the Weill Recital Hall.

International Concert Tours: ✈️

• IAPMT Asia and Europe Tours (June 17–July 2 and July 28–August 6, 2026): First and second-place winners will have the opportunity to perform during these 7-10 day tours.
• Concerto Division Winners: Selected winners will also get a chance to perform on the Europe or Asia tours and receive a coaching session with the orchestra’s conductor.

Special Recognition

Gala Concert Awards: 🏆

• Virtuoso Level: Participants will receive a trophy and a certificate.
• Novice, Standard, and Expert Levels: Participants will receive a medal and a certificate.

IAPMT Young Kawai Artist:

• The selected grand prize winners will be recognized with this prestigious title.

Kawai Medallion Teacher:

• Teachers of the selected grand prize winners will be honored with this distinction.

Important Notes

• A performance fee will be required for contestants invited to perform in Asia, Europe, and New York.
• A shipping charge for medals may apply to certain regions and countries.