MALAYSIA REGION
Kayserburg International Youth Piano Competition 2026
An open competition for pianists aged 35 and below, across Initial through Open Category levels.
Preliminary Round (Online) , Grand Final · D Theater, Hextar World
A · KEY DATES & VENUE
1 June 2026 Registration opens
Registration opens via Google Form, affiliated music centres, or the official FB page / website.
30 September 2026 Registration closes
All registrations must be completed and paid in full before this date. Late entries will not be accepted.
1 June – 30 September 2026 Prelim submission
Preliminary Round — online video submission period.
Single continuous recording, clearly showing hands and face. Recorded specifically for this competition year.
15 October 2026 Finalist announcement
Shortlisted finalists announced. Only shortlisted participants advance to the Final Round.
29 November 2026 Grand Final
Live final performance at D Theater, Hextar World.
Performance order determined by the organizer. Attendance is mandatory for placement and awards.
B · REGISTRATION FEES
INITIAL - GRADE 3
RM 200
EARLY BIRD (30% OFF) : RM 140 (Ends in 30 June 2026)
GRADE 4 - GRADE 6
RM 250
EARLY BIRD (30% OFF) : RM 175 (Ends in 30 June 2026)
GRADE 7-8 & OPEN
RM 300
EARLY BIRD (30% OFF) : RM 210 (Ends in 30 June 2026)
Registration fee includes:
Certificate of Participation · Competition T-Shirt · Final + Award Ceremony + Gala pass (×1) (T&C) · Lucky draw pass (T&C) · Gold medal (score ≥86) · Silver medal (score ≥76) · Comment sheet.
Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Repertoire changes before closing date: RM50 admin fee.
C · COMPETITION CATEGORIES
Open Category: 35 years & below
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Specific Learning Difficulty, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs
- Speech, Language and Communication needs
- Hearing Impairment
- Visual Impairment
- Physical Disability
To ensure a fair and supportive environment, all candidates registering under the Angel Category MUST submit official supporting documentation during the registration process.
Accepted Documents:
Valid Medical Report
An official assessment from a licensed medical doctor.
Diagnostic Letter
A formal diagnosis signed by a registered healthcare professional or psychologist.
Official SEN Assessment
A verified Special Educational Needs report from an educational institution or specialist.
Government-Issued Identification Card
A valid disability card, such as the OKU Card or its international equivalent.
Confidentiality:
All submitted medical data and documents will be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely for eligibility verification by the organizing committee.
D · PRIZE & AWARDS
- Certificate of Participation
- Official Competition T-Shirt
- One (1) pass to the Final Award Ceremony & Gala Show
- One (1) Lucky Draw Entry Pass
- Official Comment Sheet / Evaluation Feedback
- Gold Medal — Score 86 and above
- Silver Medal — Score 76 and above
- Finalist Certificate
- One (1) pass to the Final Award Ceremony & Gala Show
- One (1) Lucky Draw Entry Pass
- Trophy
- Presented to the Top 3 highest scorers in each category
- Trophy
- Certificate of Participation
- Official Competition T-Shirt
-
One (1) pass to the Final Award Ceremony & Gala Show
Advance booking required
-
One (1) Lucky Draw Entry Pass
Subject to terms & conditions
- Official Comment Sheet / Evaluation Feedback
- Star Performer Award
- Teacher’s Recognition Certificate
*Gala Show Pass is subject to advance booking and availability.
*Lucky Draw participation is subject to the official terms and conditions of the competition.
E · REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS
Initial to Grade 8 Categories
•One (1) repertoire selected from ABRSM/ Trinity College London/ London College of Music (LCM) /Rockschool Classical syllabus corresponding to their category level.
•Preliminary Round & Final Round may be different repertoire.
Open Category
• One (1) or two (2) repertoire(s) selected from ABRSM/Trinity College London/ London College of Music (LCM) / Rockshool Classical syllabus at Diploma Level
• Preliminary Round & Final Round may be different repertoire.
• Performance duration: Maximum 10 minutes.
• Competitors are expected to present a balanced and musically substantial programme.
• Performances deemed too short or lacking in substance may be penalised.
Angel Category
• One (1) free-choice repertoire piece, which may include works outside of standard examination syllabi
• Preliminary Round & Final Round may be different repertoire.
E · JUDGING CRITERIA
F · PRELIMINARY ROUND JURY
Michelle Kwan
Michelle Kwan is a pianist and PhD candidate at the Royal College of Music, where she also works as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in historical studies and music memorisation modules. Her research explores improvisation in nineteenth-century piano performance, focusing on Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsodies.
Michelle received scholarships to study at distinguished music institutions, including the Royal College of Music, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and the UCSI University Institute of Music. She graduated with first-class honours in both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music.
Michelle regularly presents solo recitals and collaborates in chamber music settings. Her recent performances were held in London, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, where she premiered compositions by Malaysian and Australian composers. She also recently served as an adjudicator in Singapore for an international music competition. She returns to Malaysia every summer to perform, whether as a soloist or as part of chamber ensembles. Prior to beginning her doctoral studies, Michelle organised a successful fundraising concert to support her academic journey.
Ke-Jin Yee
Ke-Jin Yee is a Malaysian conductor and pianist, currently pursuing postgraduate conducting studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, having completed undergraduate studies in piano performance at UCSI University under the tutelage of Senior Prof. Dr. P’ng Tean Hwa.
As pianist and répétiteur, he has collaborated internationally with singers, instrumentalists and choirs, and has been involved in multiple ballet and musical theatre productions. Orchestras conducted include the Welsh National Opera Orchestra, UCSI University Orchestra, Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Selangor Symphony Youth Orchestra, with a repertoire ranging from the Baroque to the present day.
Passionate about music education, Ke-Jin has taught piano, cello, music theory, and aural skills to students of varying ages and levels. Additional engagements include serving as panel speaker at the ASEAN Youth Orchestra Festival Kuala Lumpur 2026, conducting coach at Bentley Music Academy, and as adjudicator for performing arts competitions, bringing both pedagogical experience and a broad musical perspective to the evaluation and development of young musicians.
Ms. Nicole Yap
Ms. Nicole Yap is a distinguished educator and arts leader, currently serving as the Director of Creative and Performing Arts at Tenby International School.
A professionally trained musician, Ms. Nicole was formerly a member of both the National Youth Symphony Orchestra at Istana Budaya and the Puchong Symphony Orchestra. Throughout her musical career, she has garnered numerous accolades and honours at prestigious festivals and competitions.
Beyond the classroom, she is an active and highly respected figure within the wider arts and music community, frequently invited to serve as an adjudicator for music competitions.
Renowned for her professionalism, discerning judgement, and artistic insight, she has played a significant role in identifying and nurturing emerging talent, making meaningful contributions both on stage and behind the scenes.
Registration officially opens on 1 June 2026, available through our official website and affiliated music centres.