Rules

Regulations of the SCO

1. INTRODUCTION

The String Competition Online (SCO) is a musical competition for players of stringed instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, harp, as well as variations of traditional instruments and for chamber ensembles.

Musicians from all countries are welcome to participate.

There are no age restrictions to take part in this music competition.

The jury evaluates the artistic qualities of the performance based on the video recording submitted by the Participant.

The decisions of the Jury are incontestable.

2. AGE GROUPS

There are 5 different age groups:

  • Prodigy: up to 10 years old
  • Junior Artist: 11–13 years old
  • Senior Artist: 14–17 years old
  • Young Maestro: 18–22 years old
  • Master: 23 years old and above

Age group assignment takes into account the applicant’s age on the application deadline date.

Age groups apply to soloists. Chamber groups are judged without age division, but this may be taken into account in the evaluation (e.g. difficult repertoire played by very young musicians).

3. CATEGORIES

Main (Age) Categories

Participants enter one of the age categories listed above.

Expert Categories

Participants may additionally select any number of Expert Categories:

  • Baroque
  • Classical
  • Romantic
  • 20th Century Music
  • 21st Century Music
  • Sonata
  • Etude
  • Caprice
  • Concerto
  • Bach
  • Virtuoso Piece
  • Lyrical Piece
  • Original Work

Expert Categories are optional and independent of the age category.

4. AWARDS AND SCORING SYSTEM

In each Main Age Category and Expert Category, the Jury awards the following distinctions corresponding to a point-based scoring system. Performances in each category are evaluated according to musicality, stylistic awareness, technical proficiency, repertoire choice, and overall level of preparation.

  • Absolute Winner – 5 points
  • Gold Prize – 4 points
  • Silver Prize – 3 points
  • Bronze Prize – 2 points
  • Laureate Title – 1 point

Each category is evaluated independently, and prizes are awarded separately for every category.

The participant who receives the highest total number of points across all categories in a given edition is awarded a Special Prize:

Artist of the Season

The Artist of the Season receives special recognition on the Winners page, including:

  • a featured portrait photo,
  • direct links to video recordings,
  • prominent placement at the top of the Winners section.

This title highlights the most outstanding artistic achievement of the entire competition edition.

At the final edition of each calendar year, the Jury selects one Artist of the Year from among all Artists of the Seasonawarded during that year.

The Artist of the Year receives:

  • the honorary title Artist of the Year,
  • a featured interview in Maestro Magazine,
  • international promotion through the competition’s official channels.

This award represents the highest artistic distinction of the String Competition Online in a given year.

All Prizewinners will be listed on the official String Competition Online website.

All awarded contestants will receive Certificates of Achievement.
To reduce carbon footprint, printed diplomas are not shipped. Participants may print the attached PDF diploma themselves.

A separate Certificate is issued for each category entered (Main Category and each Expert Category).

Teachers and accompanists may receive Diplomas upon request.

5. REPERTOIRE

Participants are free to choose their repertoire in order to present themselves at their best in terms of musicality and skills. The number of works is the candidate’s choice.

6. RECORDING DURATION

The maximum recording duration is 15 minutes per category.

Participants entering multiple categories may submit longer recordings accordingly:

  • 1 category: up to 15 minutes
  • 2 categories: up to 30 minutes
  • 3 categories: up to 45 minutes, etc.

There is no minimum duration.
The submitted recording(s) must not exceed the total time limit corresponding to the number of entered categories.

7. VIDEO REQUIREMENTS

  • The recording may be made with any device. Judging focuses on performance, not video quality.
  • Cuts between pieces are allowed, including movements.
  • Pieces may be performed solo or with piano accompaniment.
  • Sheet music may be used.
  • Submit links to YouTube or Vimeo. Do not send downloadable files.
  • Ensure that your video is not set to “private”.

8. HOW TO APPLY

Fill in the Application Form with your name, chosen categories, and submit a link (or links) to the video recordings of your performance.

The participant agrees to the use of his/her submitted photo for publication purposes.

The deadline for accepting applications is 7 January 2026, until the end of the day in your time zone.
In special cases, the deadline may be extended.

The results will be published on 25 January 2026.

9. APPLICATION FEE

  • 60 EUR — Main (Age) Category
  • 33 EUR — each additional Expert Category

Fees support the development and ongoing improvement of the competition and related projects.

Once paid, the application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.

10. DISCLAIMER

By participating in the competition, participants agree to the possible publication of submitted recordings and photos for promotional purposes.
The organizers reserve the right to edit or crop participants’ photos for online promotional use.

11. ACCEPTANCE OF RULES

By submitting an application, the Participant accepts all the above Rules and Regulations.