Agnesi
International Music Competition
International Music Competition
Teens Regulations
TeensRegulations
The Agnesi Teens Experience was created for young people in lower secondary school who wish to put themselves to the test in a setting where competition gives way above all to growth, sharing and discovery. We live in a world made of smartphones, artificial intelligence and social media. Yet there are emotions that no screen will ever replace: the heartbeat before walking on stage, the silence before the first note, the satisfaction of overcoming a challenge, and the joy of sharing music with others.
Followers don’t count here, likes don’t count, being perfect doesn’t count.
What counts is the courage to put yourself out there, the desire to grow, and the music.
The Teens Section is dedicated to young pianists between the ages of 11 and 14 who, in the 2026/2027 school year, are attending lower secondary school (from the first to the third year) and who are in the early stages of their musical journey. It is designed for those who wish to engage with repertoire suited to their age and level of preparation, experiencing an educational and motivating event in a calm, stimulating environment focused on musical growth. It is aimed in particular at students of Lower Secondary Schools with a Musical Curriculum (SMIM), music schools, private musical education programmes and pre-conservatoire courses. The section celebrates the musicianship, interpretative sensitivity, artistic personality, dedication and growth trajectory of each participant, alongside the quality of performance. To ensure an attentive and personalised experience with genuine engagement with the Panel, the Agnesi Teens Experience operates with a fixed number of places: the maximum number of participants admitted to each edition is set at 50. Once the maximum number is reached, registrations will close automatically, even before the deadline stated in the announcement.
The Agnesi Teens Experience aims to offer young musicians not merely an opportunity to perform, but a day to live, share and remember. For this reason, the event will be enriched by a number of initiatives designed to foster a sense of belonging, sharing and community-building among young musicians united by the same passion.
– AGNESI PHOTO CORNER
Every special experience deserves a memory.
Throughout the day, the Agnesi Photo Corner will be set up — a dedicated photography space for participants, families and teachers.
A place to take photographs and selfies to capture and share the most beautiful moments of the Agnesi Teens Experience.
– THE AGNESI GENERATION PLAYLIST
The music you listen to says something about you.
At the time of registration, each participant will be invited to answer a simple question:
“If you had to choose just one piece of music to describe who you are, what would you choose?“
The answer may belong to any musical genre and need not necessarily be a piano piece.
The responses collected will contribute to the creation of the Playlist della Generazione Agnesi — a collection of listening choices representing the tastes, passions and sensibilities of the young participating musicians.
– PLAY WHO YOU ARE
Music is much more than notes and sheet music.
It is a universal language through which everyone can express emotions, ideas, dreams and deep aspects of their personality.
For this reason, at the time of registration, each participant will be invited to complete the following sentence:
“Through music, I…“
The reflections gathered may be published within the dedicated space “Suona Chi Sei – Le Voci della Generazione Agnesi” on the official website of the Agnesi International Music Competition.
The initiative is born with the aim of building, year by year, a collection of thoughts, emotions and experiences capable of telling the story of the relationship between new generations and music, through the words of young musicians.
– GENERAZIONE AGNESI
Participants in the Agnesi Teens Experience will be able to join the Generazione Agnesi, the community dedicated to the competition’s young musicians, which throughout the year will receive information and opportunities relating to concerts, masterclasses, artistic encounters, educational activities and initiatives promoted by the Agnesi International Music Competition and New Star a.p.s. They may also benefit, where applicable, from preferential terms, dedicated discounts or priority access to certain activities reserved for young musicians.
The Agnesi Teens Experience will take place at Villa Borromeo d’Adda in Arcore (MB), as part of the Agnesi International Music Competition. The event will be held on: Saturday 28 November 2026.
The call time and detailed programme will be communicated following the close of registrations.
The jury of the Agnesi Teens Experience will be composed of teachers, musicians and professionals of recognised experience, selected not only for their artistic profile but also for their pedagogical sensitivity and experience in the training of young musicians. With due respect for the programme presented by each participant, the Panel will assess the quality of performance, musicianship, expressive ability, commitment and growth potential of each participant.
The Agnesi Teens Experience aims to celebrate the musical journey of each participant, fostering a balanced comparison between young pianists with similar levels of experience and preparation.
For this reason, categories will not be determined exclusively by chronological age or school year attended, but will be defined by the Artistic Director and the Panel on the basis of the programme submitted, in the following manner:
• T1 – NEXT
• T2 – NOW
• T3 – BEYOND
The assignment of participants to categories will be communicated together with the audition schedule.
Participants may present a free programme consisting of one or more pieces with a maximum total duration of 5 minutes.
Pieces from any historical period and musical style are permitted, including contemporary composers and neo-classical contemporary repertoire.
The Artistic Director reserves the right to merge or reorganise categories based on the number and characteristics of applications received, and to redirect participants to other sections of the competition should the level of the proposed programme prove inconsistent with the Teens Section.
The decisions of the Artistic Director and the Panel regarding category placement are final and binding.
The Agnesi Teens Experience wishes to encourage not only musical interpretation but also the creativity and personal expression of young musicians.
For this reason, participants may, within the special section My Original Sound, present an original composition for piano of their own creation, incorporating it into their musical programme which, as stated above, may not exceed 5 minutes in total.
Participation is optional and is open exclusively to participants duly registered for the Agnesi Teens Experience. Compositions must be performed by the participant themselves. Works will be assessed taking into account the originality, creativity, expressive ability and artistic coherence of the musical project.
The Artistic Director reserves the right to define the organisational format of the section in relation to the number of entries received.
The Jury may award one or more special recognitions to works deemed particularly outstanding.
My Original Sound is designed to encourage and celebrate human creativity and its values.
The Organisation therefore hopes that participants will not make use of artificial intelligence or other substitutes for human creativity in composing the works submitted.
The final event schedule, including the call times for participants, will be published on the official website of the Agnesi International Music Competition and/or communicated directly to participants within the timeframe set by the Organisation.
Participants are required to arrive at the competition venue with sufficient time before their allocated call time.
The performance order will be set by the Organisation and communicated to participants before the start of the event.
Late arrivals may result in exclusion from the competition, unless the Artistic Director decides otherwise in the presence of demonstrable reasons.
During the event, participants are required to conduct themselves in a correct and respectful manner towards other participants, the Panel, the audience and the Organisation.
Wear Your Music
The Agnesi Teens Experience does not require formal concert attire. Each participant is invited to choose smart, event-appropriate clothing in which they can feel completely at ease.
Those who wish to may add a small personal touch to their look — an accessory, a colour, a symbol or a particular detail of their outfit — capable of saying something about who they are. Because music is the most important language, but even small details can express our uniqueness.
The Agnesi Teens Experience celebrates the personality of every young musician, on and off the stage.
The Artistic Director reserves the right to make any necessary changes to the timetable or the organisation of the day should this be required for the smooth running of the event.
The Agnesi Teens Experience invites every participant to experience the competition day as an opportunity for growth, encounter and sharing, in the spirit of listening, collaboration and love of music that characterise the event.
The Agnesi Teens Experience wishes to reward young musicians with recognitions that represent not only an achievement reached, but also an encouragement to continue their musical journey.
The prizes are structured as follows:
Absolute First Prize
• Original work by artist Manuel Gervasoni
• Agnesi Music Box
• Technology prize designed to accompany the young musician in their practice, listening and musical discovery, offered by a partner of the event
• Scholarship of 100% towards participation in the Suona Chi Sei Lab
First Prize
• Agnesi Music Box
• Scholarship of 100% towards participation in the Suona Chi Sei Lab
• Medal created by artist Manuel Gervasoni
Second Prize
• Agnesi Music Box
• Scholarship of 75% towards participation in the Suona Chi Sei Lab
• Medal created by artist Manuel Gervasoni
Third Prize
• Agnesi Music Box
• Scholarship of 50% towards participation in the Suona Chi Sei Lab
• Medal created by artist Manuel Gervasoni
Merit Certificate
• Diploma
The Agnesi Music Box, in addition to the official diploma, may contain musical and educational materials, exclusive Agnesi International Music Competition merchandise, gifts made available by partners and sponsors of the event, and a letter from the Artistic Director addressed to the young musicians. The contents of the Agnesi Music Box may vary depending on the edition of the competition and the partnerships activated by the Organisation.
Special Prizes – Agnesi Tags
The Special Prizes – Agnesi Tags are recognitions designed to celebrate the artistic and personal qualities that make every young musician unique.
The Special Prizes – Agnesi Tags include:
• Dedicated diploma for the recognition received
• Agnesi Music Box
The following recognitions will also be awarded:
#SIGNATURE
• Scholarship of 50% towards participation in the Suona Chi Sei Lab
#CONNECT
• Scholarship of 50% towards participation in the Suona Chi Sei Lab
#MYORIGINALSOUND
• An individual lesson with M° Ciro Scognamiglio, dedicated to deepening compositional skills and developing one’s own musical language.
These 50% scholarships will be awarded exclusively to participants who have not already received a recognition that includes a scholarship of equal or greater value.
Performances will be assessed out of one hundred. The average of all jurors’ marks will determine the final rankings. Prizes will be awarded according to the following score bands:
• Absolute First Prize: 100/100
• First Prize: from 95/100 to 99/100
• Second Prize: from 90/100 to 94/100
• Third Prize: from 85/100 to 89/100
• Merit Certificate: from 80/100 to 84/100
All participants will receive a Participation Certificate showing the score achieved.
The Absolute First Prize represents the highest recognition of the Agnesi Teens Experience and is awarded to the participant who has achieved a score of 100/100, distinguishing themselves through artistic quality, musical personality, expressive ability and alignment with the spirit of the event.
– AGNESI TAGS
Alongside the traditional recognitions, the Agnesi Teens Experience introduces the Agnesi Tags — special recognitions inspired by the language of new generations. Just as a tag makes immediately recognisable what makes us unique, the Agnesi Tags celebrate the special quality of every young musician, rewarding not only technical achievement but also personality, creativity, the ability to communicate through music, and the courage to put oneself out there. The Jury may award the following Agnesi Tags:
#SIGNATURE
Recognition awarded to the participant who has distinguished themselves through authenticity, musical personality and interpretative originality, leaving a recognisable mark through their music.
#CONNECT
Recognition awarded to the participant who has created a particular emotional connection with the audience and the Jury through their interpretation.
#MYORIGINALSOUND
Recognition awarded to the best original composition presented within the special section My Original Sound.
The Artistic Director reserves the right to establish additional Agnesi Tags in relation to the values, artistic projects and initiatives promoted within the Agnesi Teens Experience.
The Jury reserves the right not to award one or more prizes should it find no candidates of a sufficient standard, and to award prizes ex aequo. In such cases, the corresponding scholarship will be divided equally between the joint winners, whilst trophies, medals and diplomas will be awarded to each joint winner individually.
To participate in the Agnesi Teens Experience, candidates must register no later than 5 November 2026, completing and signing the form available on the official competition website at www.agnesipianocompetition.it/iscrizione. In the case of a minor candidate, the form must be completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian. The following documentation must be attached to the form:
• proof of registration fee payment;
• details of the musical programme the participant intends to perform;
• for participation in the My Original Sound section, a score of the original piece prepared in digital format. Handwritten scores will not be accepted, even if digitised.
In the spirit of the Agnesi Teens Experience, registration also represents the first moment of encounter between the young musician and the competition. For this reason, the registration form will include the “Play Who You Are” Question, through which each participant will be invited to describe, in a few words, their relationship with music or the significance of the piece they have chosen. Responses may, with prior consent, be used for cultural, editorial and promotional purposes connected to the Agnesi Teens Experience. The Organisation reserves the right to request additional documentation where deemed necessary for the correct management of the registration.
The registration fee for the Agnesi Teens Experience is set at €65 per person. It is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of registration by one of the following methods:
a. Bank transfer payable to:
New Star a.p.s.
IBAN: IT 20 F 02008 01643 000106140781
BIC code: UNCRITM1243
Please use the following payment reference: “Agnesi Teens Experience” followed by the participant’s first and last name. Any bank charges incurred in making the transfer are to be borne by the participant.
b. PayPal
When choosing this payment method, the registration fee is subject to a surcharge of €5 to cover commission charges. The total amount should be sent to direzione@newstarmilano.it.
Important notes
i. Once registration has been finalised, the musical programme submitted may not be changed.
ii. Participants must be accompanied by their parents/legal guardians.
iii. Parents/legal guardians must, upon arrival, allow the Organisation to verify the identity of participants through them.
The Suona Chi Sei Lab represents the natural continuation of the Agnesi Teens Experience and is an integral part of the educational project promoted by the Agnesi International Music Competition.
Designed to accompany young musicians beyond the competition day, the Lab offers an experience of artistic and personal growth through music, encouraging dialogue, creativity, sharing and the joy of making music together.
The Suona Chi Sei Lab is open to all participants of the Agnesi Teens Experience and will take place within October of the year following the competition edition. The programme may include group lessons, music workshops, ensemble activities, discussion sessions with teachers, guided listening and other educational experiences identified by the Artistic Director.
The teacher, venue, detailed programme and organisational arrangements will be communicated subsequently by the Organisation.
The Organisation endeavours to ensure that no distinctions are made on the grounds of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin, religion, personal beliefs, or personal or social circumstances.
Parents/legal guardians of participants with disabilities or with specific requirements may optionally notify the Organisation through the designated field in the registration form.
In the absence of such notification, the Organisation cannot be held responsible for any inability to provide support. Where notification is given, the Organisation undertakes to adopt every reasonable measure to ensure full participation in the competition, subject to the architectural characteristics of the venue.
For any cases that may require it, the Organisation is always available via the contact details indicated in Art. 19 below. No such notification has any bearing whatsoever on the Jury’s assessment, which is based exclusively on artistic merit.
By registering for the Competition, the parent/legal guardian declares that no personal, professional or legal circumstances exist that would prevent the participant’s participation or that could harm the image, reputation or regular conduct of the event.
The Organisation is indemnified against any liability arising from false information, declarations and/or statements provided by participants.
The Organisation accepts no responsibility for any accidental or caused damages or incidents occurring before, during or after the competition as a result of participants’ negligence or failure to observe the standards of conduct expected in the context.
The Organisation does not assume any supervisory obligations with regard to minors.
A list of partner hotels and restaurants located near the competition venue, with preferential rates reserved for registered participants, will be published on the official competition website.
Accommodation and meal bookings must be made directly and independently by participants.
All travel, accommodation and subsistence costs incurred in attending the Agnesi International Music Competition are to be borne entirely by participants.
The data controller is New Star a.p.s., Via Mosca 30, Milan — direzione@newstarmilano.it.
Participants’ data are processed for the purpose of managing registration, conducting the competition, awarding prizes and fulfilling related tax obligations, on the legal basis of contractual performance and legal obligations: the provision of data is necessary, and without it participation is not possible. This purpose includes the publication of lists and rankings and the presentation of participants during the competition.
The Organisation also retains edition materials in its historical archive pursuant to Art. 89 of EU Regulation 2016/679. The promotional dissemination of images, voice recordings and audio/video recordings is governed by Art. 17 below and requires specific, separate and revocable consent.
Participants may exercise at any time the rights set out in Arts. 15–22 of EU Regulation 2016/679 — including the right of access, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, portability and objection — by writing to the data controller at the address indicated above.
The exercise of such rights is subject to the limits provided for by applicable law: in particular, erasure cannot apply to data whose retention is necessary for compliance with legal obligations or for archiving purposes in the public interest pursuant to the aforementioned Art. 89. Participants also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante per la protezione dei dati personali). The full privacy notice is published on the official competition website and forms an integral part of these regulations.
The in-person stages of the Agnesi International Music Competition are recorded in audio and video by the Organisation for documentation and archiving purposes.
The dissemination of images, voice recordings and audio/video recordings for promotional, documentary and communications purposes related to the Agnesi International Music Competition is subject to specific prior consent, given by means of a dedicated release form signed free of charge by both parents/legal guardians of the participant at the competition accreditation stage.
This release is also required for the purpose of presenting participants to institutions, theatres and artistic agencies within the international circuit. Consent is freely given and optional: withholding it does not in any way affect participation in the competition or the Jury’s assessment. Consent may be withdrawn at any time by written notice to the Organisation at the email address or postal address indicated in Art. 19.
Withdrawal of consent operates prospectively and does not affect materials already lawfully acquired, disseminated or transferred to third parties. Where consent has not been given or has been withdrawn, the Organisation will exclude the participant from disseminated materials to the extent technically possible without compromising the integrity of the event documentation. General shots and images in which the participant appears incidentally and without individual identification, within the context of events open to the public, remain unaffected.
The Organisation reserves the right, where necessary, to amend or supplement these regulations, communicating any changes promptly through the official competition channels. Registration and participation in the Agnesi International Music Competition constitute full and unconditional acceptance of the current version of these regulations and any future versions thereof. Any documents supplementing the regulations, such as registration forms and release forms, are to be considered an integral part thereof. The regulations and updated registration forms are always available on the official competition website: www.agnesipianocompetition.it.
Further information is available by contacting the Organisation at pianoforte@agnesiinternationalcompetition.it, by visiting the official website www.agnesipianocompetition.com or via WhatsApp at +39 392.65.40.292 (messages only).
The Organisation is indemnified against any liability arising from false information, declarations and/or statements provided by participants. The Court of Milan shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any related disputes.
The Italian version of the regulations shall prevail.
BEFORE YOU PLAY
Some answers to help you take to the stage with confidence.
Do I have to perform everything from memory?
No. Performing from memory is optional. You may choose to perform with your score if this helps you feel more relaxed and focused.
What if nerves get the better of me?
That is perfectly normal. Nerves are part of music, and every artist experiences them. Should this happen, the Panel will give you the time you need to compose yourself and continue your performance.
Can I present more than one piece?
Yes. The programme is free and may include one or more pieces, provided it respects the maximum duration set out in the regulations.
Do I need to hand in a copy of my score?
Yes. You are required to hand in a copy of the programme you will perform to the Panel on the day of the event. Copies will be used solely for assessment purposes and will be returned at the end of the audition, upon request.
Will it be possible to try the instrument before performing?
Yes. The Organisation will make an instrument available for brief warm-ups, subject to the event timetable and the times that will be communicated to participants.
How will the day unfold?
Each participant will receive their call time in advance. The Agnesi Teens Experience is designed as a day of music, encounter and sharing, in which every young person can experience the stage with confidence, curiosity and the desire to give of their best.
Is there a compulsory dress code?
No. The Agnesi Teens Experience does not require traditional concert attire. We invite you to dress smartly and in a way that makes you feel at ease. If you wish, you may add a small personal detail that says something about you: a colour, an accessory or something that expresses your personality.
For us, music is the most beautiful way to express yourself. Everything else is simply a detail.
What happens after the competition?
The Agnesi Teens Experience does not end with the prize-giving ceremony. Participants will be able to access the Suona Chi Sei Lab, the Special Prizes – Agnesi Tags, and the other initiatives promoted by the Agnesi International Music Competition, continuing their musical growth journey.
The Agnesi Piano Competition welcomes all ages, from beginners to professionals, celebrating the legacy of Maria Teresa Agnesi, an eighteenth-century Milanese composer. With sections for beginners, age-divided categories, and one dedicated to interpretation, it offers every participant genuine musical growth. Prizes, concerts, scholarships, and a distinguished international jury await all entrants.
The Agnesi International Piano Competition features a prestigious international jury, composed of eminent figures from the European musical landscape and faculty of the highest level. A dedicated jury, formed by teachers with expertise in early childhood piano pedagogy, will give careful attention to the youngest participants’ section. A stimulating and formative environment, where every participant will feel heard, welcomed, and encouraged.
The Agnesi International Piano Competition rewards pianistic excellence with scholarships, prize concerts, and special recognitions. Category winners will have the opportunity to perform in prestigious settings, receive financial support for their training, and benefit from the visibility of an international competition. The young pianists’ section features personalized educational prizes, special mentions, and dedicated moments of artistic encouragement.
