FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(The 8th NTD International Piano Competition)

WHY PARTICIPATE? PRIZES, CAREER & VALUE

What makes the NTD International Piano Competition special?

  • Noble Mission: NTD International Piano Competition is solely dedicated to preserving and revitalizing European classical piano music — the splendid legacy of Western culture and to bringing back the glory of piano masterpieces from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. By participating in this event, you will make a unique contribution to the renaissance of traditional culture.
  • Classical Selection of Repertoire: All repertoire must be from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.
  • Unique Commissioned Composition: NTD International Piano Competition is honored to receive authorization from the world-renowned composer and Artistic Director of Shen Yun Performing Arts, Mr. D.F., to select one piece from his extremely precious music works created over the past 20 years and rearrange as the Commissioned Composition. The Commissioned Composition inherits the characteristics of Shen Yun’s music, based on traditional Chinese pentatonic melodies, it uses the Western piano to express the spirit and flavor of Chinese classical music. It blends the essence of both Eastern and Western classical music, interpreting a profound sense of the divine. As epic as a grand saga, vast and magnificent, profoundly soaring the soul. Two “Best Rendition Awards of the Commissioned Composition” are established for the competition.
  • Global Reach: The semifinal, final and the Winners’ Concert & Awards Ceremony will all be live-streamed on NTD and The Epoch Times‘ online and social media platforms, offering nearly 230 million viewers worldwide the opportunity to experience this classical piano event.

  • Gold Award: US$10,000 (1 winner)
  • Silver Award: US$6,000 (1 winner)
  • Bronze Award: US$3,000 (1 winner)
  • Best Rendition of the Commissioned Composition: US$3,000 each (2 winners)
  • Outstanding Performance Award: Varies

You will gain significant international exposure in this professionally produced, globally broadcast competition—far beyond the concert hall. You will perform a meticulously curated repertoire representing the pinnacle of human civilization and tackle the unique highlight of the competition—the Commissioned Composition.

Beyond the US$25,000 in total cash awards, the media exposure is game-changing. Finalists and award winners receive featured interviews that are broadcast on global television and published across extensive social media networks in multiple languages. This high-level visibility frequently leads to international performance invitations, the growth of a global fanbase, and expanded career opportunities far beyond the competition itself.

Absolutely. Traditional competitions are often confined to concert halls and classical music niches, but this competition leverages a global media network. The live rounds are broadcast to a potential audience of nearly 230 million across NTD and The Epoch Times platforms. This offers an unparalleled level of international, mainstream media exposure that traditional piano circuits simply cannot match.

Yes. The NTD International Piano Competition has firmly established itself as a major classical music event on the world stage. Hosted by New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD)—a premier global media network—the competition features a world-class jury, takes place in the cultural hub of New York City, and consistently draws top-tier talent from elite music schools and conservatories worldwide.

Yes. Earning an invitation to the live rounds in New York City is a significant artistic achievement. All semifinalists and finalists benefit from having their performances professionally recorded and live-streamed globally. Furthermore, the competition provides a rare opportunity to network with a distinguished jury panel, gain masterclass-level insights, and connect with like-minded peers from around the world in a world-class setting.

Yes! The NTD International Piano Competition is a truly global event welcoming pianists of all nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Your core repertoire will focus entirely on the European classical tradition (Baroque, Classical, and Romantic). While the unique Commissioned Composition features traditional Chinese melodies, it is expertly arranged for the Western piano to ensure its profound, universal message of hope can be understood and expressed by any classically trained pianist.

The competition has a highly specific and noble mission: to preserve and revitalize the 250-year “golden age” of piano literature. By focusing exclusively on the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods, we aim to bring back the glory of these foundational masterpieces. We believe this repertoire represents the pinnacle of pure authenticity, pure goodness, and pure beauty, and should be celebrated in its purest form.

While the technical and artistic level of the contestants is extraordinarily high, the atmosphere is uniquely uplifting. Because our mission emphasizes “pure authenticity, pure goodness, and pure beauty,” the competition focuses on the spiritual and healing power of music rather than fierce, cutthroat rivalry. Pianists consistently describe their experience here as profoundly inspiring, deeply respectful, and artistically fulfilling.
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ELIGIBILITY & KEY DATES

Who is eligible to apply, and what is the age limit?

The competition is open to well-established pianists and talented students with great potential from elite music schools and conservatories who are proficient in a broad piano repertoire. Contestants must be between the ages of 17 and 35, inclusive, at the time of the competition.

The competition will be held in New York City from September 1st to 5th, 2026.

All required application materials must be received by the Competition’s Organizing Committee by June 30, 2026. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted.

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REPERTOIRE RULES & REQUIREMENTS

Do I have to perform the repertoire from memory?

Yes. The competition repertoire must be performed from memory, including the Commissioned Composition. The competition judges reserve the right to disqualify any contestant found violating this rule.

No. No piece can be played twice in the competition across any of the rounds.

You must prepare 2 pieces:

1. Please select one from the following two J. S. Bach’s Fantasy and Fugues:

  • Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in D minor, BWV 903
  • Fantasy and Fugue in A minor, BWV 904

2. Please select one from the following five F. Chopin’s Etudes:

  • Etudes, Op. 10 No. 1, No. 2
  • Etudes, Op. 25 No. 6, No. 10, No. 11

You must prepare 2 pieces:

1. Commissioned Composition.

2. Please select one of Beethoven Sonatas (Entire piece, no repeats) from the following:

  • Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2 No. 3
  • Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53
  • Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109
  • Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major, Op. 110
  • Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111

Each contestant will have a recital of a 45-minute program composed of works chosen by the contestant.

Yes. Compositions must strictly be from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods (No Impressionism or 20th-century Contemporary compositions). No piece can be played twice in the competition. All self-selected compositions must be submitted in advance to the judging panel for review.

Repertoire list for your reference:

  • Bach-Busoni Chaconne in D minor
  • Beethoven Sonata No. 29 in B-flat major, Op. 106
  • Brahms Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24
  • Chopin
    • Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante Op. 22
    • Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35
    • Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58
  • Franck Prelude, Chorale and Fugue
  • Liszt
    • Transcendental Etudes, S. 139
    • Tarantella
    • Sonata in B minor
  • Mendelssohn Variations Serieuses Op. 54
  • Rachmaninoff
    • Piano Sonata No. 2 (Original version 1913)
    • 10 Preludes, Op. 23
    • 13 Preludes, Op. 32
    • Six Moments Musicaux, Op. 16
    • Etudes-Tableaux, Op. 33
    • Etudes-Tableaux, Op. 39
  • Schubert
    • Sonata in C minor, D. 958
    • Sonata in A major, D. 959
    • Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960
    • Fantasy in C major, Op. 15 (D. 760)
  • Schumann
    • Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13
    • Fantasy in C major Op. 17
  • Saint-Saëns
    • Études, Op. 52
    • Études, Op. 111
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THE COMMISSIONED COMPOSITION

What is the Commissioned Composition?

The NTD International Piano Competition is honored to receive authorization from the world-renowned composer and Artistic Director of Shen Yun Performing Arts, Mr. D.F., to select one piece from his musical works created over the past 20 years and rearrange it as the Commissioned Composition.

The Commissioned Composition inherits the characteristics of Shen Yun’s music. Based on traditional Chinese pentatonic melodies, it uses the Western piano to express the spirit and flavor of Chinese classical music. It blends the essence of both Eastern and Western classical music, interpreting a profound sense of the divine.

The Organizing Committee will email the sheet music of the Commissioned Composition to all qualified contestants six weeks (45 days) prior to the live competition in New York.

Yes. Just like the rest of the competition repertoire, the Commissioned Composition must be performed completely from memory.

Listening to original compositions of Shen Yun can help pianists get a feel for the modes, manner, and flavor of classical Chinese music. It helps to think of the piano as incorporating traditional Chinese instruments such as the erhu, guzheng, and pipa. Most importantly, keeping a pure mind, humility, and gratitude will help you express the inner core of the work.

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APPLICATION PROCESS & VIDEO AUDITIONS

What exactly needs to be included in my application package?

Applicants must include the following items:

  • Completed Online Application Form.
  • A nonrefundable application fee of US$250.
  • A high-resolution color headshot photo (300 dpi or higher) taken within the past 12 months.
  • A copy of a legal, valid photo ID.
  • Individual audition video(s) (approximately 10–30 minutes).

Yes, but a legal guardian’s signature is required on the application form if the applicant is under the age of 18.

A nonrefundable application fee of US$250 is required. Applications cannot be processed without payment.

Accepted forms of payment include online payment, credit card, traveler’s check, and money order. Please make checks payable to New Tang Dynasty.

Applicants must submit up to three (1 to 3) recent (within the last 24 months) unedited video recordings, either a solo performance or a concerto with an orchestra/ensemble recording. Repertoire strictly from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.

The total combined duration of the submitted video(s) must be between 10 and 30 minutes.

Applicants must submit up to three recent (within the last 24 months) unedited video recordings, either a solo performance or a concerto with an orchestra/ensemble recording. Repertoire strictly from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.

The submitted video types can be an online video link (e.g., YouTube or Vimeo) or a video file-sharing link (e.g., Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, or Dropbox). The total length of the video(s) should be approximately 10 to 30 minutes. The recording must be of high quality, unedited and clearly show the applicant’s face and hands in the frame at all times. Any post-production handling that affects the acoustic quality of the recording must be stated.

Yes. The recording must be of high quality, unedited, and clearly show the applicant’s face and hands in the frame at all times.

Absolutely not. The video recordings must be completely unedited. Any post-production handling that affects the acoustic quality of the recording must be explicitly stated.

Yes, a concerto with an orchestra/ensemble recording is acceptable; however, the video must clearly include a solo performance by the applicant.

Absolutely not. The repertoire for the video recording must be strictly from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods.

No. All application materials must be received by June 30, 2026. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted.

No. All application materials are non-returnable. Applicants should retain copies of all materials submitted.

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LIVE ROUNDS IN NY: LOGISTICS, JUDGING & DRESS CODE

When will I be notified about the results of the audition round?

The Organizing Committee will notify applicants of their acceptance or non-acceptance via email no later than July 5, 2026. Invitations to the preliminary round will be sent to all qualified contestants which enables them to apply for a U.S. visa and register on the day of the competition.

Invitations to the preliminary round will be sent to all qualified contestants, which enables foreign contestants to apply for a U.S. visa. However, foreign contestants are fully responsible for obtaining their own necessary travel documents and visas. Early submission is highly recommended.

No. Traveling and lodging expenses are the contestant’s responsibility. However the Organizing Committee will recommend New York hotels and practice facilities to all qualified contestants in the live rounds of the competition.

Judges are appointed by the Competition Organizing Committee. They are comprised of distinguished pianists as well as experienced piano educators. They will be solely responsible for assessing the contestants’ performances. (You can read their full biographies on our Jury Panel page.)

In addition to the completeness and fluency of the performance, the judges will also focus particular attention on the following aspects:

  • Technique: The contestant’s virtuosity in the mastery of tempo, dynamic, clarity and accuracy. Only with such techniques can one express music that is delicate and emotionally expressive.
  • Timbre: A classical pianist with inner peace and compassion can create a rich palette of timbres.
  • Artistic cultivation: A noble artistic cultivation, along with a profound understanding of the musical pieces, composers and music history enables the pianist to accurately deliver the original message and style embedded in the composition.
  • Stage presence: A well-trained classical pianist should exhibit a noble and elegant stage presence, embodying the artist’s temperament, image, and professional accomplishment.

No. Decisions made by the judges during all rounds of the competition are final.

Yes. Contestants are required to wear conservative formal performance attire during all rounds of the competition.

  • Gentlemen: Required attire includes dark-colored suits or tuxedos.
  • Ladies: Required attire is a traditional full-length gown.

It is the contestant’s full responsibility to handle any unexpected situations that may arise during the competition, and they shall bear the relevant responsibilities in accordance with the law.

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RULES, TAXES & GENERAL BACKGROUND

What is the NTD International Piano Competition?

The NTD International Piano Competition is the only world-class piano competition hosted by a global television network — New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD). The mission of the NTD International Piano Competition is to preserve and revitalize European classical piano music — the splendid legacy of Western culture and to bring back the glory of piano masterpieces from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.

New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD) was founded in New York in 2001. It is the world’s first global, independent, non-profit Chinese-language television news and entertainment network established by overseas Chinese. NTD began satellite broadcasting in North America in February 2002, then expanded its 24/7 programming to Asia, Europe, and Australia in July 2003. Headquartered in New York City, NTD is internationally recognized for extensive cultural and entertainment programs that blend the best of Eastern and Western cultures, as well as for objective, timely reporting on economic, political, and cultural stories in Chinese.

NTD also produces content in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and more. Across satellite, cable, over-the-air broadcasts, streaming platforms, and magazines, NTD connects with around 100 million viewers worldwide. The network also reaches more than 70 million followers across YouTube, X, Facebook, and other social platforms.

Beyond broadcasting, NTD is proud to organize the world’s largest international cultural competitions and events. Since 2007, it has launched a global series of competitions designed to promote and revive world and Chinese traditional culture and arts through large-scale, high-quality cultural programs and major events. This cultural platform—spanning Classical Chinese Dance, Vocal, Han Couture Design, Chinese Culinary, Traditional Chinese Martial Arts, Violin, Piano, Oil Painting, Photography, and Beauty Pageant—advances cultural exchange between East and West and helps audiences worldwide better understand the essence of traditional Chinese and Western culture: pure authenticity, pure goodness, and pure beauty.

NTD has also been the media sponsor for Shen Yun Performing Arts , hailed as the “world’s number one show.” As Shen Yun rapidly entered the global mainstream market in just a few short years, NTD, as the exclusive television media sponsor, made an indelible contribution by broadcasting to the world the artistic essence and cultural values presented by Shen Yun.

Yes. The semifinal and final rounds of the competition, as well as the Winners’ Concert & Awards Ceremony, will be live-streamed on NTD and The Epoch Times‘ online and social media platforms.

Yes. An edited recording of the competition will later be broadcast as a TV special on NTD’s global network.

NTD is entitled to all copyrights for the text, audio, visual, and video materials produced during the competition.

No. Once a contestant submits the application, he or she agrees to all the rules and regulations and affiliated terms of the Competition, otherwise, he or she will not be able to participate.

It depends on the nationality of the winner.

No tax will be withheld for prize winners who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Winners must complete a W-9 form, which will be kept on file with NTD. This form provides the necessary information for issuing a 1099-MISC to the winner. It is the winner’s responsibility to report this income to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and file the income tax accordingly.

If the winner is either a non-resident alien in the U.S. or a citizen from another country, he or she must complete a W-8 form and the cash prize is subject to a 30% tax withholding requirement. The winner will receive IRS Form 1042-S from NTD, reporting U.S. source income by foreign persons.

However, depending on the winner’s country of residence, an exception to the withholding tax may apply if the U.S. has a tax treaty with that country.

No. All awards must be accepted in person at the Award Ceremony. Failure to attend the ceremony will result in forfeiture of all awards and prizes.

The Organizing Committee reserves the right to revoke a contestant’s eligibility and prizes if they are found to be in violation of the regulations.

The Organizing Committee shall have the ultimate authority to interpret the Rules and Regulations of the competition and the right to make any changes as necessary.

How can I contact the Organizing Committee if I have additional questions?

You are welcome to communicate with the Organizing Committee in the following ways:

  • Email: piano@ntd.com
  • Hotline: 1-855-561-0888
  • Mailing address: The NTD International Piano Competition
    129 W 29th Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001 USA

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