https://goldenkeyfestival.com/composition/

The intention of the XIX Golden Key Piano Composition Competition is to encourage creativity and self-expression in new and upcoming composers and to provide an opportunity for winning compositions to reach an international audience at the World Composers’ Recital held as part of the Golden Key Music Festival of Vienna. The competition comprises National and International Divisions. The National Division is exclusively available to composers residing in the United States, whereas the International Division is open to composers worldwide. U.S. residents have the option to apply for the National, International, or both divisions.

Deadline for submission: December 1, 2025

The Competition is open to composers in five age categories:
• Elementary (age 5 – 10)
• Junior (age 11 – 14)
• Senior (age 15 – 18)
• Young Artist (age 19 – 26)
• Professional (age 27 and older)

We determine the category based on the participant’s age as of December 1st of the contest’s year.

The following composition requirements must be met or the application may be disqualified.
• A composition must have a title.
• A composition may be in any style and should be originally written for a piano or a piano in ensemble with up to four other instruments or/and voice(s) as long as piano would be the leading, not just an accompanying, instrument. Compositions for prepared piano are not permitted.
• The performance time of the composition must be no longer than seven minutes. For the composition which is longer than seven but less than fifteen minutes double application fee is required. We do not accept the composition which is longer than fifteen minutes in performing time.
• The composition manuscript must be a fully realized score. We do not accept composition which requires improvising performing style.
• The manuscript should be submitted electronically in PDF format.
• No change may be made to the manuscript once it has been submitted.
• A composition that includes copyrighted text must be accompanied by a written statement from the copyright holder giving permission to use the text. If the text is in the public domain, a statement signed by the teacher and student indicating this fact must accompany the entry.

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