Deadlines

• January 1, 2025: Competition application opens.
• June 15, 2025: Application closes.
• July 1, 2025: Staff announces results, notifying competitors advancing to the Semifinal Round in Oxford, AL (August 12-16, 2025).
• July 7, 2025: Semifinalists confirm their intent to compete in the Semifinal Round in Oxford, AL.

ONLINE PRELIMINARY ROUND

January 1 – June 15, 2025

Competitors must upload a video as part of their application by the deadline (June 15, 2025). A panel of judges will evaluate each performance based on technical and artistic merit. The highest-scoring competitors will progress to the Semifinal Round in Oxford, Alabama.

Eligibility Note

• Gold Medalists from previous Rubato International Piano Competitions are ineligible to re-enter the same age category but may enter the next age division, if eligible. 
• Silver and Bronze Medalists may re-enter their age category and compete for the Gold Medal.

Application Requirements

• Biography: A current biography (maximum 500 words) in a Word document file (.doc, .docx). 
• Photo: One (1) color headshot uploaded as a high-resolution (300 dpi) JPEG file. 
• Repertoire List: Include composer, title of the piece, and approximate timing for each round in a Word file. 
• Performance Video: Submit a video recorded within the past 12 months, showing both hands and face. The video can be compiled from different takes, but only one video file may be uploaded per applicant. 
• Note: Upload your video early to avoid last-minute issues. For longer works (e.g., sonatas), upload one movement at a time to prevent delays and ensure you meet the deadline. 
• Application Fee: $35 USD.

Classical Division

• Level A (ages 10–18): 15-20 minutes of performance.
• Level B (ages 19–27): 15-20 minutes of performance.

Repertoire Requirements:

Performers must select 2-3 solo piano pieces from two or more stylistic periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, or 20th-21st century). The repertoire should reflect a variety of styles to demonstrate the performer’s range and ability.

Jazz Division

• Ages 12–27: 15-20 minutes of performance.

Repertoire Requirements:

Performers must select 2-3 solo piano pieces from two or more jazz styles (Be-bop, Latin Jazz, Contemporary, etc.). Repertoire should showcase the performer’s versatility across different jazz styles.

SEMIFINAL & FINAL ROUNDS

August 12-16, 2025 – Oxford, Alabama, USA

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Competitors advancing to the Semifinal Round will be notified via email (through getacceptd.com) no later than July 1, 2025. A total of 15 competitors (five per category) will be selected. Competitors are advised to regularly check getacceptd.com for updates and important announcements. Semifinalists must confirm their intent to compete in the live rounds by July 7, 2025, via email.

Arrival

Semifinalists in all divisions should arrive in Oxford, Alabama, by Monday, August 11, 2025. A detailed schedule, including rehearsal times, masterclasses, and other activities, will be sent via email to all semifinalists.

Repertoire Requirements

• Semifinalists may perform the same repertoire as in the preliminary online round.
• For the Final Round, competitors must choose different repertoire pieces.
• Repertoire for the final round must be confirmed by July 1, 2025. No changes will be allowed after this date.

Time Limits

• Performances in both the Semifinal and Final Rounds must be between 15–20 minutes. In the morning, competitors will present their full repertoire for the adjudicators. In the evening, they will perform 1-2 selected pieces for a live audience. The evening concerts will be livestreamed, and each night is limited to 8 minutes per competitor.
• Exceeding the time limit may result in disqualification.

Judging

• Judges will evaluate each performance individually, assigning ratings for both technical and artistic merit to select the three (3) finalists for the Final Round. In the Final Round, judges will again score competitors on these criteria. The competitor with the highest overall score will be awarded the Gold Medal, followed by the Silver Medal and accompanying cash prizes. Additionally, the audience will have the opportunity to select their favorite performer using a mobile app during the first two nights of the Semifinal Round.
• All judges’ decisions are final.