• Applicants must have reached their 15th birthday by June 3, 2010, but not their 21st  birthday by June 9, 2010.
  
  
• Applicants are ineligible to compete for the following reasons:

• a PianoArts judge was his or her primary teacher during the two years immediately preceding June 3, 2010
• a 2010 judge coached the contestant for the competition
• the contestant studies with a relative of a 2010 judge
  
  

• Contestants must be living or attending school in North America and be available for Milwaukee performances if they are selected as PianoArts winners. Contestants may be citizens of countries outside North America.

• Contestants must be able to speak and communicate in English.

• Former PianoArts Winners of the First Place Prize are ineligible.
  

Applicants must submit the following items online, via Email or through the postal services postmarked by January 29, 2010:

1. Application – available on the Application page as an online version or as a version that can be downloaded and mailed to PianoArts.
   
   
2. Signed Statement of Agreement – The agreement is attached to the application. The contestant, piano teacher and parent/guardian must sign the agreement. It may be copied for each party to mail separately.
   
   
3. Two different color photographs no smaller than 5"x7", minimum size of 1200 x 1650 pixels at 300 dpi. Digital photographs may be sent on a disc or via Email. All photographs must be labeled with full name and address.
   
   
4. Proof of age. (photocopy of birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, etc. sent as a hard copy or scanned and sent via Email.)
   
   
5. Non-refundable application fee of $100 online via Paypal, personal check or international money order payable to PianoArts.
   
   

Contestants must submit a DVD Recording for the Preliminary Recital Round postmarked by February 27, 2010

Digital Video Disc (DVD) Preliminary Round Program Requirements:

1. Solo work of the contestant’s choice – entire composition or movement(s).
   
   
2. First movement of the selected concerto from the Repertory List for Concertos with a second pianist performing the orchestral reduction.
   
   

• The same concerto must be performed in the Semifinal Recital.
• The second pianist must not be visible on the DVD recording.
• Contestants may submit concerto performances with orchestra, provided the concerto is the same one to be performed in this competition.

Listing the Program (either as a paper copy or as a menu on the DVD recording):

1. Full titles with names of composers.
   
   
2. Timings for the concerto: soloist entrance – development section – cadenza.

Contestant's name should be signed on the DVD recording and on the case. On the recording, please write the names of the composers of the compositions.

Important Note: The same concerto must be performed on the DVD recording and in the Semifinal Recital Round. Contestants may not change the chosen concerto after submitting the application. Other changes in repertory must be approved no later than April 27, 2010 by contacting the PianoArts via phone or Email.

Tips on Preparing your DVD Recording:

• Quality DVD recordings can significantly contribute to the impression that judges receive about a contestant’s performance.

• The two pianos used for the concerto should be in tune with each other.
  
  
• Produce the best sound quality possible, even if it means getting the assistance of a recording expert.
  
  
• Perform on the recording as if it is a public performance by dressing appropriately and announcing the pieces being performed.
  
  
• Be sure to watch and listen to the DVD recording before mailing.
  
  
• Many Steinway dealers are happy to provide two grand pianos for contestants producing a PianoArts recording. Please contact your local Steinway store to inquire whether your dealer is participating in this project.

1. See Required Recitals and Repertory List for Concertos and Duos on Competition page to plan programs for the PianoArts Semifinal Recitals.
   
   
2. Semifinalists and alternates (invited as auditors) must arrive on June 3, 2010 when the $225 registration fee is due.
      
3. Contestants are responsible for their own transportation to and from   Milwaukee.
   
   
4. Upon request, host families with practice facilities will be available for contestants.
   
   
5. Semifinalists must participate in all scheduled rehearsals, events and other performances.
   
   
6. During the competition, contestants will be known by their first names. Judges will not receive background information on the competitors.
   
   
7. During the competition, contestants may not speak to the judges.
   
   
8. Contestants must grant permission for part or all of their performances in the competition to be electronically recorded or videotaped for distribution – live, tape-delayed, or by future transmission all media. Contestants can make no claim for any funds that may accrue to PianoArts as a result of using these materials.
   
   
9. Personal audio and/or visual recordings of the competition must be approved in advance by PianoArts. PianoArts will provide professional photographers and videographers. With approval of PianoArts, photographs and audio/visual materials will be available for use by contestants.
   
   
10. Three semifinalists will be advanced to the final round.