The Foundation for the Young Accordionists
is pleased to announce an
Paks Accordion Competition
to be held within the framework of
the 10th Paks Accordion Festival.
Date: 26-28 March 2026
Venue: Pro Artis Art School
9.Deák Ferenc Street, Paks 7030 Hungary
Application Deadline: 05 March 2026
Rules of Competition
Introduction
The competition aims to discover young talents, promote the exchange of experiences, explore innovative teaching methods, and popularize accordion music and performance in Hungary.
1. Participants can apply under two categories: NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL.
1.1. NATIONAL CATEGORY: Open to individuals residing in Hungary, including foreign citizens studying accordion at Hungarian educational institutions, at primary, secondary, or higher levels, in organized settings, with private teachers, or independently. Those residing permanently abroad or studying accordion at foreign institutions are not eligible for this category.
1.2. INTERNATIONAL CATEGORY: Open to all individuals, regardless of residence, who study or play the accordion in organized settings, with private teachers, or independently, either in Hungary or abroad.
1.3. Age groups for both categories are outlined in Attachment 1.
1.4. There is no upper age limit.
1.5. The following competition groups are available
a) National solo classical music category
b) National solo entertainment music category
c) National chamber music category
d) National orchestra
e) International solo classical music category
f) International solo entertainment music category
g) International chamber music category
h) International orchestra
1.6. Chamber music ensembles can be of any formation, with minimum one accordion (e.g., can be multiple accordions, or accordions with other instruments).
2. Rules for Participants and Performances
2.1. Participants must arrive on time and follow the competition schedule.
2.2. Any changes to the schedule are only permitted under justified circumstances. Requests for changes must be communicated to the organizers promptly.
2.3. Participants unable to attend must notify the organizers immediately using the provided contact details.
2.4. Performances will follow alphabetical order by last name.
2.5. Auditions are open to the public.
2.6. Only the participant’s name and program will be announced before the performance.
2.7. The organizers reserve the right to record audio, video, and photographs during the event, and to use these recordings publicly without compensation.
2.8. Performances in the solo categories must be played from memory. Using sheet music may result in point deductions by the jury.
2.9. In chamber music categories, the use of sheet music is allowed.
2.10. Participants competing in both classical and entertainment music categories may not repeat any pieces.
3. Application
3.1. Applications must be submitted electronically via the forms available under the “Application” menu.
3.2. Application deadline: March 05, 2026.
3.3. It is the responsibility of the instructor, parent, or participant to ensure correct age group placement.
3.4. Incomplete or incorrectly completed applications will not be accepted.
3.5. The program must be listed in the order of performance on the application form.
3.6. No changes to the program are allowed after submission.
3.7. The competitor’s application will be acknowledged by a confirmation e-mail.
3.8. Confirmation of application acceptance will be sent via email, and submission implies agreement with the competition rules.
4. Registration
4.1. Registration takes place upon arrival or before the start of the competition.
4.2. Participants must provide:
a) Entry fee (HUF or EUR)
b) Two copies of sheet music for each piece to be performed, with the participant’s name and category.
5. Assessment
5.1. The competition will be evaluated by a professional jury.
5.2. The jury’s decision is final, and no appeals are allowed.
5.3. Jury members will not evaluate their own students or children; alternate members will score instead.
5.4. The jury evaluates the performances on a 25-point scale:
5.5. The jury awards Gold, Silver and Bronze ratings in each category.
a) Gold: 22-25 points
b) Silver: 19-21.99 points
c) Bronze: 15-18.99 points
5.6. The results of the competition (point table) will be announced by the day of the award ceremony.
5.7. Grand Prix awards may be given at the jury’s discretion.
5.8. The jury may select participants to perform at the gala. These performances are unpaid
5.9. Certificates of achievement will be awarded.
5.10. During thwe award ceremony, the organizers express their gratitude tot he teachers by presenting a certificate of recognition.
6. Jury
6.1. The jury consists of esteemed educators and artists from Hungary and abroad.
6.2. Jury members’ names will be announced before the competition.
6.3. Jury members evaluate the competition without remuneration, but accommodations and meals are provided.
7. Costs
7.1. The competition is self-financed.
7.2. The entry fee for solo categories is 12,000 HUF (30 EUR).
7.3. The entry fees for chamber music categories are as follows:
duo or trio – 15,000 HUF, or 40 EUR per ensemble
quartet, quintet, sextet – 20,000 HUF, or 50 EUR per ensemble
from seven performers – 25,000 HUF, or 50 EUR per ensemble
from ten performers – 35,000 HUF, or 90 euro/orchestra
7.4. In case of participation in multiple categories, the entry fee must be paid for each category accordingly.
7.5. Entry fees are non-refundable in the event of non-attendance or withdrawal.
7.6. Participants must cover all additional costs, including travel, accommodation, and meals.
7.7. Invoices will be issued for entry fees.
7.8. Entry fees may be paid in cash on site before the start of the competition or by bank transfer to the following bank account: HU12 1041 0400 0000 0100 5392 8824.
7.9. In the case of a bank transfer, please indicate the competitor’s name, category, and age group (e.g., István Nagy_International_Age Group 6).
8. Contact Information
8.1. For inquiries, please email harmonikapaks@gmail.com.
8.2. Visit our Facebook page for updates: www.facebook.com/harmonikafesztival.
9. Other Informations
9.1. The organizers reserve the right to modify competition rules. Changes will be published on the festival’s Facebook page.
9.2. Participants may be disqualified by the jury or organizers for any irregularities or misconduct.
We wish all of you a successful preparation!
Attachment
NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL CATEGORY
competition groups and age groups
NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL CLASSICAL MUSIC CATEGORIES
„Baby” Category – Competitors born after January 1, 2018
Programme: Two or more pieces of varying character and style, one of which must be an original composition.
Duration: Maximum 4 minutes
Age Group 1 – Competitors born between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017
Programme: Two or more pieces of varying character and style, one of which must be an original composition.
Duration: Maximum 6 minutes
Age Group 2 – Competitors born between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015
Programme: Two or more pieces of varying character and style, one of which must be an original composition.
Duration: Maximum 8 minutes
Age Group 3 – Competitors born between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013
Programme: Several pieces of varying character and style, including at least one original composition and one Baroque piece.
Duration: Maximum 12 minutes
Age Group 4 – Competitors born between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011
Programme: Several pieces of varying character and style, including one original composition and one polyphonic or baroque piece.
Duration: Maximum 15 minutes
Age Group 5 – Competitors born between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009
Programme: Several pieces of varying character and style, including one original composition and one baroque piece.
Duration: Maximum 18 minutes
Age Group 6 – Competitors born before January 1, 2008
Programme: Several pieces of varying character and style, including one original composition and one Baroque piece.
Duration: Maximum 20 minutes
NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC CATEGORIES
Age Group 1 – Competitors born between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015
Duration: Maximum 7 minutes.
Age Group 2 – Competitors born between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013
Duration: Maximum 10 minutes.
Age Group 3 – Competitors born between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011
Duration: Maximum 12 minutes.
Age Group 4 – Competitors born between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009
Duration: Maximum 15 minutes.
Age Group 5 – Competitors born before January 1, 2008
Duration: Maximum 18 minutes.
Each age group, participants must perform a selection of popular music pieces of varying styles and character.
NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC CATEGORIES
Age Group 1 – the average age of the members in 2026: up to 15 years old.
Duration: Maximum 14 minutes
Age Group 2 – the average age of the members in 2026: up to 19 years old.
Duration: Maximum 17 minutes
Age Group 3 – the average age of the members in 2026: over 19 years old, with no age limit.
Duration: Maximum 20 minutes
In each age group, participants must perform freely chosen pieces of different styles and genres.
NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL ORCHESTRA
No age group classification.
Maximum programme duration: 30 minutes.
Programme: freely selected pieces of varying styles and character.