Competition Rules
Format of the competition
The Atterbury National Piano Competition is open to young pianists, 19 years and younger and is divided into the following age categories:
- 12 years and under
- 15 years and under
- 19 years and under
The participant’s age category is determined by their age on the starting date of the competition.
Only South African citizens and permanent residents are eligible to participate.
The competition takes place over four rounds.
- Rounds 1 & 2 (Thursday & Friday): All participants compete in these rounds.
- Round 3 (Saturday – Semi-finals): The top 18 semi-finalists perform.
- Round 4 (Sunday – Finals): The top 9 finalists compete in the gala event.
Participation and adjudicating
- A maximum of 45 participants will be selected.
- The judging panel will consist of three adjudicators.
- Participants will be judged on technical skill, musicality and overall performance quality. The judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome of the competition.
Age category restriction
- A participant who wins a specific age category may not compete in the same category again in future editions of the competition.
- Instead, they must advance to the next age category in subsequent years.
- However, if a winner of the 19 years and under category is not the overall competition winner, they may compete again in future years, provided they are still 19 years or younger.
Repertoire requirements and program format
Each round has the following repertoire requirements:
1st Round
- One Baroque work
- One Romantic work
2nd Round
- One Classical work
- One Modern / 20th Century / Impressionistic / South African work
3rd Round
Two contrasting works:
- One piece from a previous round
- One new piece that has not been performed in earlier rounds
4th Round
- A program consisting of two works selected from previous rounds
Performance time limits
Additional performance guidelines
- All repeat indications may be ignored, except for Da Capo markings.
- Piano concertos are not permitted.
- Memorising the entire program is mandatory, including the audition recording.
Entry & Audition Process
Entry submission
- Complete the online entry from.
- Deadline: 31 July (No late entries will be accepted).
- Any repertoire changes must be submitted to admin@atterburypiano.co.za before 31 August
Audition video requirements
- Record a single, uninterrupted take of two contrasting works played from memory (part of the final competition repertoire).
- Maximum duration: 15 minutes.
- Ensure high-quality audio and video, with clear visibility of the participant’s hands.
- No editing or pausing during the performance.
- Upload the audition video to YouTube and email the shareable link to admin@atterburypiano.co.za.
- Video title format: [Participant’s Name] – [Title of Work] – [Composer]
- Include the YouTube link in the online entry form.
Entry fee
- R200 (non-refundable)
- Banking details:
Account Name: Atterbury Trust Bank: First National Bank Account: 63006546238 Branch: 252445 Reference: PIANO / [Surname] / [Date of birth]
Selection & notification
- Successful entrants will be notified via e-mail.
- The 9 finalists from the previous year qualify, automatically and do not need to submit an audition. However, these participants still have to submit their online entries for the competition.