WORLD OPEN Online Competition: Saxophone

Next edition: Winter Edition 2026
Applications until: December 1
Entry fee: €37
Format: online, video

RULES FOR PARTICIPANTS IN «SAXOPHONE» NOMINATION 2026

Saxophone competition online: who can enter and how it works

This online saxophone competition is the saxophone nomination of the WORLD OPEN Online Music Competition. It is open to saxophonists from all countries: soloists from the youngest JUNIOR categories up to SENIOR ARTIST, duos, students performing with their teacher, and saxophone ensembles. Nobody has to travel – the jury evaluates a video of the performance.

Three editions take place each year (spring, summer and winter), and you can apply at any time of the year. Saxophone deadlines and results dates are listed in the schedule below.

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
Application deadline is March 15th. Announcement of the results on April 05.

SUMMER EDITION
Acceptance of applications until June 1. Announcement of the results on June 15.

WINTER EDITION
Application deadline is December 1th. Announcement of the results on December 15th.

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. It is allowed to perform parts (sonata, suite, concert…) as two pieces.

Participants

Right to participate is given to all competitors from all the countries in the world.

Soloists:

JUNIOR

Category I: born in 2020 – maximum 5 minutes
Category II: born in 2019 – maximum 5 minutes
Category III: born in 2018 – maximum 6 minutes

MIDDLE JUNIOR

Category IV: born in 2017 – maximum 6 minutes
Category V: born in 2016 – maximum 7 minutes
Category VI: born in 2015 – maximum 7 minutes
Category VII: born in 2014 – maximum 8 minutes
Category VIII: born in 2013 – maximum 8 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 13 minutes
Category XV: born in 2001 and younger – maximum 13 minutes

SENIOR ARTIST

Category XVI: born in 1999 and younger – maximum 15 minutes
Category XVII: 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 XVIII: born in 2018 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
Category XIX: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
Category XX: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
Category XXI: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
Category XXII: born in 2010 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
Category XXIII: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
Category XXIV: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
Category XXV: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XXVI: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XXVII: 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 XXVIII: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
Category XXIX: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
Category XXX: born in 2010 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
Category XXXI: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
Category XXXII: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
Category XXXIII: born in 2005 and older – maximum 12 minutes

ENSEMBLE (of 3-12 members)

The ensemble must contain at least 50% of homogeneous instruments of this nomination. Ensemble can perform with only one accompanist and/or one illustrator. Age category is defined by average age of all participants, without illustrator (accompanist).

Category XXXIV: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
Category XXXV: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
Category XXXVI: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
Category XXXVII: born in 2009 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
Category XXXVIII: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
Category XXXIX: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XL: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XLI: born in 1999 and older – maximum 15 minutes

Repertoire for saxophone: what to choose

Your program is two compositions of your choice, preferably different in style or tempo. Soloists perform from memory, without cuts; duos and ensembles may read from music. Movements of a sonata, suite or concerto can serve as the two pieces. The rules of this nomination do not mention saxophone types (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone) or musical styles; if your choice of instrument or a non-classical program raises questions, check with the organizer via the contact page. Keep in mind that most classical concert works are written for alto. If a piece has an accompaniment part, the rules require you to play it with an accompanist.

Fit the program into your category’s limit – 5 minutes at the start of the JUNIOR section, 15 in SENIOR ARTIST – and remember that a piece with improvised passages can turn out longer on the recording than in rehearsal.

Examples by section (recommendations, not requirements):

JUNIOR: Gershwin, Summertime (arrangement); short pieces from a beginner saxophone album
MIDDLE JUNIOR: Bozza, Aria; Lantier, Sicilienne
JUNIOR ARTIST: Milhaud, Scaramouche (version for alto saxophone); Maurice, Tableaux de Provence (two movements)
SENIOR ACADEMIC and SENIOR ARTIST: Glazunov, Concerto in E-flat major; Ibert, Concertino da camera; Creston, Sonata; Debussy, Rapsodie

Recording the video: tips for saxophonists

The rules call for one take without editing, pauses or cuts, with the performer clearly visible. Set the camera in front of you at shoulder height and far enough back to show the face, both hands on the keys and the whole instrument down to the bell; a baritone saxophone sits lower, so widen the frame for it. Landscape orientation is what the rules recommend. The saxophone sounds from the bell and from the open tone holes, so a microphone placed a little further away gives a more balanced picture than one aimed straight into the bell. When a pianist accompanies you, keep both of you in the frame and check that the saxophone does not overpower the piano. Start by stating your name or by placing an A4 sheet on a music stand. See also the recording recommendations and the rules.

Application, fee and certificates

Apply via the online application form. A solo saxophonist pays 37 euros to enter; duos and ensembles pay 37 euros per group (fee payment). The award depends on the jury’s average score: in the JUNIOR and MIDDLE JUNIOR sections a Gold award is given for 90–100 points and a Diploma from 65 points; JUNIOR ARTIST and the SENIOR sections use other point scales, described in the rules. Certificates for all participants are on the certificates page, and teachers’ letters of appreciation are on a separate page. For video requirements and identification, documents, fees and the scoring system, see the full rules.

Frequently asked questions

Which saxophones are accepted?

Soloist categories in this nomination are based on year of birth; the rules do not mention saxophone types (soprano, alto, tenor or baritone). If you are unsure whether your instrument fits, ask the organizer via the contact page before applying.

Can I play a jazz program?

The program is two compositions of the participant’s choice; the rules of this nomination say nothing specific about jazz or other styles. Before preparing a jazz program, check with the organizer via the contact page. The general requirements apply in any case: soloists play by heart, the video is a single take, and the time limit of the category counts.

Is an accompanist required?

Only when the piece is written for saxophone and accompaniment – then the rules oblige you to play with an accompanist. Unaccompanied works are played alone, and a duo or ensemble may have one accompanist.

How long can the program be?

From 5 minutes for soloists in Categories I and II to 15 minutes in SENIOR ARTIST; for duos and ensembles the limits also range from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the category.

How do I get my certificate?

After each edition, electronic certificates can be downloaded from the certificates page; a paper certificate can be sent by post on request, and a detailed certificate for a portfolio or scholarship is available on this page.