WORLD OPEN Online Competition: Traditional Music
- Next edition
- Winter Edition 2026
- Applications until
- December 10
- Entry fee
- €37
- Format
- online, video
RULES FOR PARTICIPANTS IN «TRADITIONAL MUSIC» NOMINATION 2026
Traditional music competition online: who can enter and how it works
This traditional music competition online is for performers on national (folk) instruments: plucked, bowed and hammered string instruments such as balalaika, domra, bandura, cimbalom, mandolin and Chinese instruments, and folk wind instruments such as gaida, bagpipes or kurai. Players may enter as soloists, in duos, as a student with their teacher, or in folk instrument ensembles of 3 to 15 musicians. Entries for the WORLD OPEN Online Music Competition are open all year, and each year has a Spring, a Summer and a Winter edition. Instead of a live round, musicians upload a video for the jury to mark.
Schedule
The competition is completely online and is held annually. Applications are accepted 365 days a year. The competitor selects one of three editions and sends an application.
SPRING EDITION
Acceptance of applications until April 01. Announcement of results on April 15.
SUMMER EDITION
Applications are accepted until June 10. Announcement of results on June 25.
WINTER EDITION
Application deadline is December 10. Announcement of the results on December 25.
Program
The competition program includes two (preferably diverse) compositions of the participant’s choice. Program is to be performed by heart and completely (soloist). Duos and ensembles are not obligated to perform compositions by heart.
Participants
Right of participation is given to all performers on national instruments from all the countries in the world (except instruments already presented in the competition).
PLIED, BOW, HAMMER STRING INSTRUMENTS (balalaika, domra, cimbalom, bandura, mandolin, chinese instruments…)
Soloists:
JUNIOR
- Category I: born in 2020 – maximum 5 minutes
- Category II: born in 2019 – maximum 6 minutes
- Category III: born in 2018 – maximum 7 minutes
MIDDLE JUNIOR
- Category IV: born in 2017 – maximum 8 minutes
- Category V: born in 2016 – maximum 8 minutes
- Category VI: born in 2015 – maximum 9 minutes
- Category VII: born in 2014 – maximum 9 minutes
- Category VIII: born in 2013 – maximum 10 minutes
JUNIOR ARTIST
- Category IX: born in 2012 – maximum 10 minutes
- Category X: born in 2011 – maximum 12 minutes
- Category XI: born in 2009 and younger – up to 12 minutes
SENIOR ACADEMIC
- Category XII: born in 2007 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
- Category XIII: born in 2005 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
- Category XIV: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 14 minutes
- Category XV: born in 2001 and younger – maximum 14 minutes
SENIOR ARTIST
- Category XVI: born in 1999 and younger – maximum 15 minutes
- Category XVII: born in 1998 and older – maximum 15 minutes
WIND INSTRUMENTS (gaida, Chinese bells, bagpipes, kurai …)
Soloists:
- Category XVIII: born in 2020 – maximum 5 minutes
- Category XIX: born in 2019 – maximum 6 minutes
- Category XX: born in 2018 – maximum 7 minutes
MIDDLE JUNIOR
- Category XXI: born in 2017 – maximum 8 minutes
- Category XXII: born in 2016 – maximum 8 minutes
- Category XXIII: born in 2015 – maximum 9 minutes
- Category XXIV: born in 2014 – maximum 9 minutes
- Category XXV: born in 2013 – maximum 10 minutes
JUNIOR ARTIST
- Category XXVI: born in 2012 – maximum 10 minutes
- Category XXVII: born in 2011 – maximum 12 minutes
- Category XXVIII: born in 2009 and younger – up to 12 minutes
SENIOR ACADEMIC
- Category XXIX: born in 2007 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
- Category XXX: born in 2005 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
- Category XXXI: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 14 minutes
- Category XXXII: born in 2001 and younger – maximum 14 minutes
SENIOR ARTIST
- Category XXXIII: born in 1999 and younger – maximum 15 minutes
- Category XXXIV: born in 1998 and older – maximum 15 minutes
DUO (two similar or two different instruments)
Duo can perform with only one accompanist. Age category is defined by average age of all participants, without illustrator or accompanist.
- Category XXXV: born in 2018 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
- Category XXXVI: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
- Category XXXVII: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XXXVIII: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
- Category XXXIX: born in 2010 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
- Category XL: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
- Category XLI: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
- Category XLII: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
- Category XLIII: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
- Category XLIV: born in 1999 and older – maximum 15 minutes
Student – teacher
In the section “Student – teacher” the age group is determined by the age of the student.
- Category XLV: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category XLVI: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
- Category XLVII: born in 2010 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
- Category XLVIII: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
- Category XLIX: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
- Category L: born in 2005 and older – maximum 12 minutes
ENSEMBLE OF FOLK INSTRUMENTS (from 3 to 15 participants)
Ensembles can only perform with one accompanist and / or illustrator. The age category is determined by the average age of all participants, excluding the age of the illustrator and / or accompanist.
- Category LI: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
- Category LII: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
- Category LIII: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
- Category LIV: born in 2009 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
- Category LV: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
- Category LVI: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
- Category LVII: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
- Category LVIII: born in 1999 and older – maximum 15 minutes
Repertoire for traditional music (national instruments): what to choose
You prepare two pieces of your own choosing, ideally different in character. A soloist plays from memory from start to finish, while duos and ensembles are free to keep the music on the stand. If a piece is written for your instrument with accompaniment, the general rules say it must be played together with the accompanist part. Instruments with their own nomination – for example guitar, accordion, harp or percussion – compete there.
A good pairing is one piece that shows the traditional character of the instrument, such as a folk tune with variations, and one that shows technique or a different tempo. Count both pieces into your category’s time limit. Examples – recommendations only:
- Balalaika or domra: variations on «Korobeiniki» or «Kalinka» for younger players; a Budashkin piece or Monti’s Csárdás for advanced players.
- Bandura: Ukrainian folk song arrangements or pieces by Hnat Khotkevych.
- Cimbalom: Hungarian or Romanian dance tunes, or a Brahms Hungarian Dance.
- Chinese instruments: «Horse Racing» for erhu or «Fishing Boat Song at Dusk» for guzheng.
- Folk wind instruments and ensembles: traditional melodies of your region, with a faster dance piece for contrast.
Recording the video: tips for national instruments
Film the performance in a single uninterrupted take with no edits, and make sure the player is fully visible. On balalaika, domra, bandura or pipa the jury watches both hands – the tremolo or strumming hand and the fingers on the fretboard – so film from the front, slightly towards the neck. For cimbalom or yangqin, a raised angle shows the hammers on the strings; for erhu, the bow and left hand; for wind instruments, face and fingers. Duos and ensembles keep everyone, including the accompanist, in frame. Check that tremolo and sharp attacks do not clip the sound. Turn the camera horizontally and begin by identifying yourself. More on the video page and in the rules.
Application, fee and certificates
The online application takes your video, an identity document and proof of payment. Soloists pay 37 euros; a duo or an ensemble pays 37 euros in total (payment). In the JUNIOR and MIDDLE JUNIOR sections a score of 90–100 points brings the Gold award; JUNIOR ARTIST (32.50–50 points) and the SENIOR sections (16.25–25 points) use their own scales, described in the rules. Each participant can download an electronic certificate, and each teacher a letter of appreciation. Video requirements and identification, documents, fee and scoring are explained in full on the rules page.
Frequently asked questions
Which national instruments can I enter?
Plucked, bowed and hammered string instruments (balalaika, domra, cimbalom, bandura, mandolin, Chinese instruments and others) and folk wind instruments (gaida, bagpipes, kurai and others).
What if my instrument is not listed?
The lists are open. Any national instrument without its own nomination can enter here; if you are unsure, write to the organizer via the contact page first.
Do duos and ensembles have to play from memory?
No – memorisation is required from soloists only; duos and ensembles can play from the score.
What is the time limit for each age category?
Soloist limits rise from 5 minutes (the youngest category) to 15 minutes (SENIOR ARTIST). The lists above give the limits for duos, student–teacher pairs and ensembles.
When are the results announced?
April 15 for the Spring edition, June 25 for Summer and December 25 for Winter. Full dates are in the competition calendar.
Related pages: traditional-folk singing, orchestra and results of previous editions.