 Rules
The third Knoten International Piano Competition aims to promote and disseminate the piano instrument internationally without geographical limits.
The preparation of the entire competition as well as its development is entirely online. We consider that current technology allows us to properly manage our contest system, thus avoiding travel costs for participants, parents or teachers.
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The contest has the following points as parameters:
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- Musical and artistic development of the individual. Personal growth.
- Enhance creativity and discipline through the art of the piano.
- Expand the capacity of the pianist as a human being to give the best of himself/herself to society.
- Personal improvement with full respect for others.
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The character therefore of this competition is a healthy competition of evolution for each pianist, avoiding an atmosphere of rivalry with other pianists.
Our focus is an evaluation so that participants can know what level they are at as pianists.
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Dates to remember
NEW DEADLINE - Application until July,31 2025
Results will be published on website: August,1th 2025
The diplomas and the jury's comments will be sent to each contestant during August, 2025
Who can participate
All pianists can participate without age or nationality restrictions. The piano duo and 4-hand categories are included, as well as piano concerto and a category for amateur pianists.
Depending on the age of the contestant, they must register in their corresponding category. The piano duo or 4 hands, piano concerto and amateur categories have no age limit.
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CATEGORIES:
Category A: pianists born between 2018 and 2021
Category B: pianists born between 2016 and 2017
Category C: pianists born between 2014 and 2015
Category D: pianists born between 2012 and 2013
Category E: pianists born between 2010 and 2011
Category F: pianists born between 2008 and 2009
Category G: pianists born between 2006 and 2007
Category H: pianists born in 2005 and before
Category I: Piano Duo or 4 Hands (no age limit)
Category J: Piano Concerto (no age limit)
Category K: Amateur (no age limit)
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Repertoire
The repertoire in any of the categories is freely chosen by the contestant.
However, if the work was composed during the 21st century, the jury may ask the contestant for a copy of the score for prior review.
The works to be submitted to the competition will be 2 of different styles and periods of composition in which the musical and technical skills of the pianist are demonstrated.
In piano concerto category are possible 2 movements of the same concerto.
The maximum duration of each work is 15 minutes.
Excerpts from the works are excluded and must be interpreted in full. In the case of sonatas, the interpretation of movements is allowed.
The use of sheet music is allowed although it is recommended by the jury not to use it.
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The videos of the 2 works selected by the contestant must be sent along with the registration as a link to their YouTube channel from where the judges will watch the videos.
In order to be able to correctly evaluate the contestants, we recommend that the sound and image quality be satisfactory enough to evaluate appropriately.
In the videos, the hands, feet and face of the pianist must be seen in the same image. Editing cuts or montages are not permitted. Violation of this rule will invalidate the contestant's participation and his corresponding elimination from the competition.
Prizes
Competitors are qualified according to the average grade point of evaluations by the Jury. Number of awards (prizes) is not limited.
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GOLD AWARD/ LAUREATE FIRST PRIZE – is to be awarded to the competitor who wins 90 – 100 points.
Participant’s performance level:
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Performance level: GRANDE PERFORMER (99 – 100),
Performance level: CONCERT PERFORMER (96 – 98,99),
Performance level: VIRTUOSO PERFORMER (93 – 95,99),
Performance level: EXCELLENT PERFORMER (90 – 92,99).
SILVER AWARD/ LAUREATE SECOND PRIZE – is to be awarded to the competitor who wins 80 – 89,99 points. Participant ´s perfomance level:
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Performance level: EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMER (85 – 89,99),
Performance level: PROMISING PERFORMER (80 – 84,99).
BRONZE AWARD/ LAUREATE THIRD PRIZE – is to be awarded to the competitor who wins 70 – 79,99 points. Participant ´s perfomance level:
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Performance level: PERSPECTIVE PERFORMER
DIPLOMA – is to be awarded to the competitor who wins 65 – 69,99 points.
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As a complement to the awards, all contestants, regardless of whether they have been awarded or not, will receive the jury's comments regarding their perfomance of the works in the competition.
These comments will be sent by email to each participant once the contest has ended and will be private.
With these comments we always want to motivate and point out points for improvement.
Jury´s members will be keep in private.​​​
Competition participants accept that their photographs or videos sent to the competition be published on our website or social media.
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Jury
You can find everything related to the jury in its section.
Application
To be able to compete you must fill out the application form in the corresponding section and pay the amount of 100 euros as participation fees.
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We want to indicate in an act of transparency that the organization of this contest nor the jury receives any financial compensation. The associated cost is for the development and maintenance of the website and the payment of marketing services in Google Ads for the promotion of the contest.