WORLD OPEN Online Competition: Tuba
- Next edition
- Winter Edition 2026
- Applications until
- December 1
- Entry fee
- €37
- Format
- online, video
RULES FOR PARTICIPANTS IN «TUBE» NOMINATION 2026
Tuba competition online: who can enter and how it works
The tuba nomination is the tuba competition online of WORLD OPEN Online Music Competition, and it is also open to euphonium players. You record a performance video and submit it; the jury scores the recording.
Tubists and euphonium players from any country take part as soloists, duos, Student – teacher pairs or low brass ensembles. The competition has three editions per year – spring, summer and winter – and accepts applications all year, so the entry can follow your own concert or exam calendar.
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. Competitors who play on the euphonium can also participate in this nomination.
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 tuba and euphonium: what to choose
The programme is two works of your choice that differ in character. Soloists perform both from memory and complete; duos and ensembles may keep the music on the stand. You may present two movements of one sonata, suite or concerto as the two works.
Several popular tuba concertos are in one movement, for example Lebedev’s: such a concerto counts as one work, so add a contrasting second piece and keep the total within the maximum for your category. Pieces with piano accompaniment must be performed with the accompanist. Euphonium players can draw on original euphonium works as well as tuba or trombone pieces that suit the instrument’s range.
Possible choices (recommendations only):
- JUNIOR and MIDDLE JUNIOR: Haddad, Suite for Tuba (two movements); Handel, Honor and Arms (arrangement).
- JUNIOR ARTIST: Lebedev, Concerto in one movement; Capuzzi, Andante and Rondo; Catozzi, Beelzebub.
- SENIOR ACADEMIC: Vaughan Williams, Tuba Concerto (movements); Hindemith, Sonata.
- SENIOR ARTIST: Gregson, Tuba Concerto; Penderecki, Capriccio.
- Euphonium: Horovitz, Euphonium Concerto (movements); Sparke, Fantasy.
Recording the video: tips for tuba and euphonium
The video must be a single take without editing, with the performer clearly seen throughout. Begin by stating your name, year of birth and the competition name, or show an A4 sheet with them for 3–5 seconds.
The tuba is large and usually played seated, so frame the whole instrument, your face and both hands, and film in landscape. The bell points up: a room with a higher ceiling gives a fuller sound than a small low room. Phone microphones often weaken the lowest notes or switch on noise reduction; if possible, use an external microphone placed in front of you at some distance, not right under the bell. With piano, check that the accompaniment does not cover the tuba. More: video recording guide and rules.
Application, fee and certificates
Apply through the online form: the application, the Mp4 video, proof of identity and payment confirmation, up to 100 MB in total. The fee is 37 euros for a soloist, and 37 euros per duo or ensemble (payment details). Awards follow the jury’s points, with Gold from 90 and a Diploma from 65 in the JUNIOR and MIDDLE JUNIOR sections; JUNIOR ARTIST (32.50–50 points) and the SENIOR sections (16.25–25 points) use their own scales, described in the rules. Each participant gets a certificate; a teacher can download a letter of appreciation. The complete rules – video requirements and identification, documents, fee and scoring – are on the rules page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter on the euphonium?
Yes. Euphonium players compete in this nomination under the same rules and age categories.
Does a tuba soloist have to play by heart?
Yes, soloists play the full programme from memory. Duos and ensembles do not have to.
Is a one-movement concerto enough for the programme?
No. It counts as one work, and the programme needs two, so add a second piece of contrasting character.
Can a low brass ensemble include other instruments?
Yes, as long as at least 50% of the instruments belong to this nomination. Ensembles have 3–12 members and may add one accompanist and/or one illustrator.
Which category does a tuba duo enter?
Duo Categories XVIII–XXVII depend on the average age of both players, without the accompanist. A duo may pair the tuba with the same or a different instrument.
More on the site: trombone nomination, orchestra nomination, results and participants.