General Rules & Responsibilities

1. Eligibility and Participation
   1. Contestants may participate in only one class: Professional Class, Amateur Class, or Neu Class.
   2. Contestants must be non-professional pianists who do not perform for payment and are not represented by any agent or management.
2. Registration and Communication
   1. Official communication will be conducted via Email and/or WhatsApp.
      • The submitted email address and WhatsApp number cannot be changed after submission.
      • Only one email address and one WhatsApp number will be used for all notifications.
      • No phone calls will be made.
   2. Contestants must bear their own transportation and accommodation costs.
   3. The competition fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, including withdrawal, disqualification, or inability to attend.
3. Guardian and Supervision
   1. Contestants should be accompanied by an adult guardian for the duration of the competition. The guardian is fully responsible for the minor’s safety during all competition activities and related events.
   2. Only one parent or guardian may accompany the contestant during the warm-up.
4. Competition Conduct
   1. Contestants will perform exclusively on a Steinway Grand Piano throughout the competition.
   2. Contestants must not wear rings, chains, bangles, or long nails during recording, as these may damage the piano. Please also avoid glitter/sequined clothing and strong fragrances, as some contestants may be sensitive to the smell or to glitter particles that may shed.
   3. Preliminary Round: Parent, guardian are not allowed entry during video recording.
   4. No audio or video recording of any competition performances is allowed.
   5. Video recording will be conducted exclusively by Steinway Representatives, no other recording devices are permitted.
   6. No food or beverages allowed in the competition venue.
   7. Adjudicators may request contestants to provide copies of the original scores for all works in their program.
   8. Abide by all rules and regulations of the competition.
   9. Failure to attend the competition on the assigned date and time will result in disqualification.
   10. Contestants must attend all official media events organized by the competition. Failure to participate without a valid reason may result in disqualification or forfeiture of the prize.
   11. Protect own valuables; organizer is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
5. Online Video Submission (Amateur Class & Neu Class)
   1. All videos must be submitted by 15th March 2027.
   2. The contestant must remain visible in the video throughout the recording.
   3. Please ensure that the camera angle captures the piano keys, hand movements, face, and feet at all times.
   4. Your videos must have acceptable visual and audio quality (HQ/HD).
   5. If you have an external microphone, using it will help improve sound quality.
   6. The entire program must be recorded in one take with no editing. Any form of video or sound editing/effects is strictly prohibited.
   7. We only accept video submissions from contestants who perform on a grand or upright piano.
   8. The video should not be older than 3 months prior to the application deadline.
   9. Any video submission exceeding the allotted time will be penalized and will not be judged.
   10. Here are the steps for submitting your video on YouTube:
       1. Register for a YouTube account.
       2. Enter the following information for your YouTube video:
          • Title: 8th SMYPC 2027 - Contestant's Full Name as per IC (Class)
            Example: "8th SMYPC 2027 - Henry E. Steinway (Neu Class)"
          • Description: Composer - Complete Repertoire(s) Title
            Example: "W.A. Mozart - Sonata in D major, K. 311, 1st Movement"
       3. List the repertoires in order, ensuring you include the composer's name and complete title of each repertoire.
       4. Adjust the Visibility Settings to "Unlisted".
       5. Disable comments and ratings in the Comments and Rating Settings.
       6. Then, copy the YouTube Shareable Link and submit it via the following form. *(one-time submission only).
6. Judging and Adjudication
   1. All competitions are judged by the Adjudicator Panel.
   2. The Adjudicator shall assess contestants’ interpretative and pianistic skills, including musicality & artistry, technical mastery, adherence to the score, and stage presence.
   3. The Adjudicator reserves the right to stop a performance midway if the contestant violates competition rules, exceeds the allotted duration, or for other serious reasons deemed necessary.
   4. All assessments are confidential.
   5. The Adjudicator Panel has the final decision, and no correspondence or appeals will be entertained.
7. Media, Marketing, and Amendments
   1. The Organizer retains full rights to use all recordings, images, and performances for promotional, educational, and commercial purposes without further compensation.
   2. Organizer reserves the right to amend rules and cancel or alter events due to force majeure.
8. Prizes and Responsibilities
   1. Prize must be accepted as is, non-transferable.
   2. Winners must attend the award ceremony in person to receive their trophy and certificate. Attendance is mandatory, and winners are expected to follow all instructions provided by the organizer, which may include performing during the celebration concert or other event activities. Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of the trophy and certificate.
   3. Grand Prize Winner is responsible for passport or travel documents; inability to travel forfeits the prize.