WORLD OPEN Online Competition: Percussion

Next edition
Winter Edition 2026
Applications until
December 1
Entry fee
€37
Format
online, video
Apply now General rules

Rules for participants in «Percussion» nomination 2026

Percussion competition online: who can enter and how it works

WORLD OPEN runs an online percussion competition in which the jury assesses performance videos instead of a live round. Percussionists from any country can enter as soloists in two streams – classical percussion, or variety, modern and ethnic percussion – and also as duos, Student – teacher pairs and ensembles.

The competition has three editions each year (spring, summer and winter) and takes applications all year round. You record at home, in class or in a hall, check the deadline of the chosen edition and send the video with the application form.

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. Soloists, duos and ensembles are not obligated to perform compositions by heart.

Participants can perform solo, as well as accompanied by an accompanist or using a backing track (using a phonogram is not allowed). It is allowed to perform parts (sonata, suite, symphony, concert, concerto…) as two pieces.

 

Participants

Performers from all over the world are invited to participate in the competition.

CLASSIC IMPACT INSTRUMENTS (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 10 minutes
  • Category XI: born in 2009 and younger – up to 10 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 17 minutes
  • Category XVII: born in 1998 and older – maximum 17 minutes

 

VARIETY, MODERN AND ETHNIC PUNCHING INSTRUMENTS (SOLOISTS):

JUNIOR

  • Category XVIII: born in 2020 – maximum 5 minutes
  • Category XIX: born in 2019 – maximum 5 minutes
  • Category XX: born in 2018 – maximum 6 minutes

 

MIDDLE JUNIOR

  • Category XXI: born in 2017 – maximum 6 minutes
  • Category XXII: born in 2016 – maximum 7 minutes
  • Category XXIII: born in 2015 – maximum 7 minutes
  • Category XXIV: born in 2014 – maximum 8 minutes
  • Category XXV: born in 2013 – maximum 8 minutes

 

JUNIOR  ARTIST

  • Category XXVI: born in 2012 – maximum 10 minutes
  • Category XXVII: born in 2011 – maximum 10 minutes
  • Category XXVIII: born in 2009 and younger – up to 10 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 13 minutes
  • Category XXXII: born in 2001 and younger – maximum 13 minutes

 

SENIOR ARTIST

  • Category XXXIII: born in 1999 and younger – maximum 17 minutes
  • Category XXXIV: born in 1998 and older – maximum 17 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 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 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 percussion: what to choose

The programme is two contrasting pieces of your choice. Soloists, duos and ensembles do not have to play by heart. You can perform solo, with an accompanist or to a backing track, but a phonogram is not allowed. Two movements of a sonata, suite or concerto may be played as the two pieces.

Many percussionists show two instruments – for example a snare drum étude and a marimba or xylophone piece – which also makes the programme contrasting. Plan the setup so that moving between instruments and changing mallets takes little time, and keep the total within your category’s limit: up to 10 minutes in JUNIOR ARTIST and up to 17 minutes in SENIOR ARTIST.

Examples by section (recommendations only):

  • JUNIOR and MIDDLE JUNIOR: a snare drum study by Mitchell Peters; a Brahms Hungarian Dance arranged for xylophone.
  • JUNIOR ARTIST: an étude from Delécluse’s Douze études; one of Eric Sammut’s Rotations for marimba.
  • SENIOR ACADEMIC: Rosauro, Marimba Concerto (movements); a piece from Elliott Carter’s Eight Pieces for Four Timpani.
  • SENIOR ARTIST: Keiko Abe, Prism Rhapsody; Xenakis, Rebonds.
  • Variety, modern and ethnic: a drum kit piece with a backing track; a cajón or darbuka solo.

Recording the video: tips for percussion

Record one continuous take without editing, with the performer clearly visible. Begin with your name, year of birth and the competition name, or show an A4 sheet with them for 3–5 seconds.

It is best to keep the whole instrument in the shot: the full width of a marimba keyboard, or every drum and cymbal of a kit. For a kit, film from a front diagonal slightly above the toms, showing face, sticks and pedal foot. Snare and cymbal peaks easily overload a phone, so lower the recording level or move the microphone back. If you use a backing track, play it through a speaker in the room during the take – do not add it afterwards. Typical mistakes: a cut-off instrument, portrait video. See how to record a video and the rules.

Application, fee and certificates

Submit the online application with your video. The fee is 37 euros for a soloist and 37 euros for a duo or ensemble as a whole (how to pay). In this nomination the jury consists of performers and teachers of percussion; in the JUNIOR and MIDDLE JUNIOR sections a Gold award goes to 90–100 points and a Diploma starts at 65, while JUNIOR ARTIST (32.50–50 points) and the SENIOR sections (16.25–25 points) use their own scales, described in the rules. All participants receive certificates, and teachers receive letters of appreciation. For the full rules – video requirements and identification, documents, fee, scoring system – see the rules page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a backing track in percussion?

Yes. Percussionists may play to a backing track, but a phonogram is not allowed.

Do I need to play from memory?

No. Soloists, duos and ensembles in this nomination may play from the music.

Can I perform with an accompanist?

Yes. You can play solo, with an accompanist or with a backing track. Works written for instrument and accompaniment must be played with an accompanist.

How should I set up the camera for a drum kit?

In landscape, in front of the kit at a diagonal and slightly above it, far enough back to show all drums and cymbals, your face and both hands.

What is the age limit?

Categories are set by year of birth: soloist categories range from Category I (born in 2020) to Category XVII (born in 1998 and older), with the same range for variety, modern and ethnic percussion.

Related pages: orchestra nomination, results and participants.

Percussion: results and participants

Results by year

Participants by year

Participants 2026