CONDITIONS AND FAQ
• The International Clara and Robert Schumann Competition – Piano Junior 2026 is organized by the association Freunde und Förderer der Rubinstein Akademie e.V.
• Young pianists of all nationalities up to 25 years of age are eligible to participate in this competition.
• It consists of two stages: the first round and the two-day final, where the jury determines the winners.
How does the first round work?
• The competition is divided into several age groups:
• Group A: up to 11 years (10 minutes, max. 18 participants)
• Group B: 12–15 years (15 minutes, max. 12 participants).
• Group C: 16–25 years (Max. 30 minutes, 12 participants).
Participants are free to choose their program, but works by Clara and Robert Schumann are especially encouraged.
• Results Announcement: The results will be sent by email on February 12, 2026.
• After the registration deadline, the names of candidates participating in the first round will be published on the competition website on the date specified in the announcement.
• All participants in the first round will receive a certificate of participation via email after the competition concludes.
• A maximum of 30 candidates from Group A & B and 12 candidates from Group C will advance to the final. The jury will decide on the finalists based on the first-round performance by the date specified in the announcement.
• The names of the finalists will be published on the competition website and communicated via email.
How does the final work?
• The final for Group A & B will take place on March, 10th, 2026, at the Palais Wittgenstein in Düsseldorf
• The final for Group C on March, 11th, 2026, at the Palais Wittgenstein in Düsseldorf.
• The award ceremony and winners’ concert will take place on March, 12th, 2026, at the Palais Wittgenstein in Düsseldorf.
Key Details for the Final:
• The performance order will be drawn by the jury beforehand.
• Finalists must perform a program with a maximum duration of 10 for Group A , 15 minutes for Group B and 30 minutes for Group C. The repertoire for the final is free to choose, with works by Clara and Robert Schumann especially welcome. Pieces from the first round may be repeated.
• The final round is open to the public.
• If the performance exceeds the time limit of 10 minutes (Group A), 15 minutes (Group B) or 30 minutes (Group C), the jury reserves the right to stop the performance.
• The results will be announced at 7:00 PM, along with the presentation of certificates and prizes. Attendance at the award ceremony is mandatory for all finalists.
What happens if I don’t qualify for the final?
• All participants from the first round will receive a certificate of participation via email.
• Participants who do not qualify for the final may join the masterclass and attend the competition as audience members.
WHAT AWARDS ARE THERE?
• The results of the final round will be published on our website and social media channels.
• All prize winners will receive a certificate documenting their competition prize.
• All other finalists will receive a certificate confirming their participation in the final round.
• Prizes for 2026:
Group A – up to 11 years:
1st Prize – €500
2nd Prize – €300
3rd Prize – €200
Group B – 12 to 15 years:
1st Prize – €500
2nd Prize – €300
3rd Prize – €200
Group C:
1st Prize – €1,500
2nd Prize – €1,000
3rd Prize – €500
Special Prizes:
Clara Schumann Prize (Groups A, B and C)
Robert Schumann Prize (Groups A, B and C)
Masterclasses:
• All participants of the International Clara and Robert Schumann Competition – Piano Junior 2026 are invited to join the masterclasses with Gabriele Leporatti on March, 13th, 2026, at the Music Academy Anton Rubinstein. Registration deadline: February 12, 2026. Participation fee: €150 per masterclass. Please register on https://musicaera.com/.
How can I register for the competition?
Deadline: February,1st, 2026
• Required documents for registration:
– Biography (in Word format only)
– Photo
– Video links (YouTube only)
– Proof of payment for the participation fee (PayPal or bank transfer only)
• Participation fee:
Standard fee: €120, (Early booking fee: €100 until January, 1st, 2026).
Payment methods:
• PayPal: Pay here
• Bank transfer:
Account name: Freunde und Förderer der Anton Rubinstein Akademie
IBAN: DE56 3022 0190 0364 0117 17
SWIFT/BIC: HYVEDEMM414
Important:
• Include the full name of the participant and the competition name in the payment details.
• Participation fees are non-refundable.
How should I prepare the video recording?
• The program is free to choose, with works by Clara and Robert Schumann especially encouraged.
• Recording duration:
Group A: Approx. 10 minutes
Group B: Approx. 15 minutes
Group C: Approx. 30 minutes
• Candidates can submit one or more YouTube video links.
• Video links must be provided during registration but can be submitted via email until the registration deadline.
• No new videos will be accepted after the registration deadline.
• Videos will be used for evaluation in the first round. Finalists may perform either a new program or repeat their first-round program in the final.
What are the legal conditions?
• By registering, participants grant the organizer the right to use submitted photos, audio, and video recordings for documentation and promotional purposes on its website and social media channels.
• The jury’s decision is final and cannot be contested.
• All deadlines and dates are outlined in the competition announcement on our website.
• By registering, candidates confirm their acceptance of the competition rules and regulations.
