Competition Rules
1. The application form must be postmarked by April 1, 2009. However, we encourage all contestants to apply at your earliest opportunity in order for the competition committee to address any issues prior to the deadline. Applications are not considered complete until all documents and fees have been received by the Competition. All fees are non-refundable and must be paid in full by April 1, 2009. See application for payment details and options.
2. Any applicant who knowingly gives inaccurate or misleading information, or submits an incomplete application, may be disqualified.
3. All contestants must submit two official passport photos with the contestants name and category clearly written on the back of both photos. Only official passport photos will be accepted.
4. Proof of Age, Photographs, and Letters of Recommendation must be postmarked by April 1, 2009. Age is determined as of April 1, 2009.
5. All contestants must submit Letters of Recommendation: the Intermediate and Advanced Categories require two letters; Young Musicians and Junior Categories require one. These letters must be from competent musical authorities, i.e. current instructors, conservatory professors, concert artists, etc.
6. If deemed necessary by the Board of Directors, the International Russian Music Piano Competition reserves the right to limit the total number of contestants. In addition, contestants repertoire, bio, and letters of recommendation must demonstrate their ability to compete at the international level.
7. DVDs, CDs, or Tapes are not required to enter the competition. Please do not submit recordings with the application.
8. Foreign Contestants: Consult your nearest American Embassy or Consulate on advice for visas. Upon written request, the International Russian Music Piano Competition will send an Official Letter of Invitation. Official Letters will only be provided to contestants after their application and fee has been submitted and accepted. The fee for Official Letters of Invitation is $35 which must be paid in advance and is non-refundable. Letters will be sent via e-mail and through the United States Postal Service (USPS) regular mail with delivery in approximately 20-30 days. Express Mail can be arranged for (approximately 7-10 days) but must be negotiated with the organizing committee. The USPS will only guarantee the official letters have been delivered to the country of request, and not to the specific address of the contestant. Postal service tracking numbers will be forwarded to contestants for online verification, however the competition provides no guarantees as to delivery to the contestant due to procedures and restrictions within certain countries.
9. During each Round, a contestant’s performance will be in accordance with the order determined by the draw. The order of performance will remain the same in the event of round advancement.