Agnesi

International Music Competition

Headquarters: Via Antonio Mosca, 30

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Kids Regulations

Kids Regulations

REGULATIONS
REGISTRATION FORM

✨ “No magic wands or golden spells are needed: all it takes is your heart and two enchanted hands” ✨

Welcome to the sweetest and most colorful section of the Agnesi International Piano Competition!
This space is designed for boys and girls who have just started playing the piano, and who want to experience a special moment made of music, smiles and magic.

 

WHERE AND WHEN?

 

The Kids Section of the competition will take place in an enchanted setting: Villa Borromeo D’Adda in Arcore (MB), surrounded by historic gardens and elegant period rooms.

The Kids Section of the Agnesi International Piano Competition will take place on Saturday, 28 November 2026.

 

 

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

 

All children who in the 2026/2027 school year are attending nursery school or primary school (up to and including Year 5) and who study piano — even for a very short time — and who wish to experience the thrill of performing on stage in a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere.

We have chosen to open this competition to even the youngest and least experienced children because we believe that art should be accessible from the very first steps. We are not looking for perfection, but for courage, curiosity, and the joy of sharing music. Nothing to fear! This is a place to learn, grow, and have fun.

THE JURY

 

The commission will be made up of teachers with extensive experience in teaching children and pre-adolescents.
They will evaluate each performance with sensitivity and competence, taking into account the age, the path, the emotions and the educational context of each child.
A jury designed to reward not only the performance, but also the courage, commitment and magic with which each little pianist takes the stage.

Every score awarded is the average of all jurors’ marks. The jury’s decisions are final and binding.



MAGICAL AGE CATEGORIES

(Everyone — even those who have only just started — will find the right category!)

 

Soloists Section

  • Piano Gnomes and Little Stars: Children aged 4–5
  • Keyboard Fairies and Wizards: Children aged 6–7
  • Knights and Princesses of the Stave: Children aged 8–9
  • Heroes and Heroines of Music: Children aged 10–11

Four Hands Section

  • Enchanted Duets of the Musical Forest: Children aged 6–8
  • Harmonic Alliances of the Sonorous Kingdom: Children aged 9–11

 

For Soloists, age is calculated as completed years at the date of participation. For the Four Hands Section, it is the average of the two children’s completed ages at the date of participation, rounded down.

DURATION OF PERFORMANCES

 

Soloists

  • Piano Gnomes and Little Stars: maximum 2 minutes
  • Keyboard Fairies and Wizards: maximum 3 minutes
  • Knights and Princesses of the Stave: maximum 4 minutes
  • Heroes and Heroines of Music: maximum 5 minutes


Four Hands Section

  • Enchanted Duets of the Musical Forest: maximum 3 minutes
  • Harmonic Alliances of the Sonorous Kingdom: maximum 5 minutes

 

Young participants may perform one or more freely chosen pieces, even simple ones. No memorisation required. What matters is sharing your music from the heart!

 

STAGE RULES… WITH A FAIRYTALE TOUCH

Taking the stage is like entering an enchanted castle.

Here are a few magical tips for enjoying your moment:

    • Step forward with confidence and a kind smile
    • Greet the audience with a little bow of wonder
    • Play from the heart; it’s okay if a note escapes
    • Thank the audience with a smile; they’re there for you!

AWARDS AND PRIZES

 

In this competition, every note played is a small achievement. Every performance tells a story of dedication, enthusiasm, and magic. For this reason, we have envisioned a prize system that not only recognises excellence, but also celebrates the beauty of the journey, the imagination, and the courage of each child. Discovering the awards will already be a celebration: musical, creative, emotional, and fairy-tale prizes… because here, everyone is the star!

Absolute First Prize

  • Original artwork by artist Manuel Gervasoni
  • Agnesi Music Box
  • A technology prize designed to accompany the young musician in their study, listening, and discovery of music, offered by a partner of the event

First Prize

  • Agnesi Music Box
  • Medal crafted by artist Manuel Gervasoni

Second Prize

  • Agnesi Music Box
  • Medal crafted by artist Manuel Gervasoni

Third Prize

  • Agnesi Music Box
  • Medal crafted by artist Manuel Gervasoni

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 dedicated to the young musicians. The contents of the Agnesi Music Box may vary depending on the edition of the competition and the partnerships established by the Organisation.

Special prizes:

  • Golden Key Prize: will be awarded to the young pianist who stands out in the performance of one or more pieces from the contemporary educational repertoire, recognising sensitivity, imagination, and interpretative originality.
  • Stellar Smile: for the brightest and most contagious smile at the competition!
  • Fairy-Tale Sweetness: for whoever plays with tenderness and enchants like a fairy tale.
  • Lion-Hearted Courage: for whoever faces the stage with great strength and determination.
  • Attentive Eyes: for the attentive and curious gaze that follows every note.
  • Heart That Plays: for whoever plays with emotion, telling a story between the keys.
  • Energy Whirlwind: for the irresistible energy that turns the stage into a celebration!
  • Musical Magic: for whoever makes the notes fly with grace and naturalness.
  • Stage Style Prize: for the most imaginative, fun, or fairy-tale outfit!
  • Magical Harmony: for the young musicians who listen to each other, look at each other, and understand each other with a glance, like true keyboard wizards.

Emotional prizes:

  • Artist’s Heart Prize: for whoever has touched the jury’s heart with their performance.
  • Feather Hands: for the magical delicacy of touch on the keys.
  • Musical Smile: for whoever has given music… and an unforgettable smile!
  • “First Stage” Plaque: for whoever is making their very first performance ever.
  • Fairy-Tale Team: for the duo that enchanted with imaginative, coordinated, or magic-themed outfits, turning their performance into a visual story.

Notes to Grow By: children will receive a short written message from the jury with a small personalised encouragement to continue their musical journey.

Little Pianist’s Passport: each child will receive a mini “musical passport” to be stamped with the date, the jury’s signature, and the title of the piece. A fun and tangible memento that tells the story of each child’s musical journey.

All participants will receive a personalised illustrated diploma and a small musical gift.

N.B. Diplomas, plaques, or medals that are not collected on the day will not be posted.

 

SPACE DEDICATED TO TEACHERS

 

A special recognition will be awarded to the teacher who has the highest number of prize-winning students.

 

WONDER TEACHER AWARD

 

A special prize will be awarded to the teacher with the most registered students, and to those promoting diversity and inclusion in music education.

 

INNOVATIVE TEACHING AWARD

 

An honorable mention for the teacher presenting the most creative program, described briefly in writing during registration.

 

HONOR PASS

 

All registered teachers will receive a personalized “Agnesi Honor Pass”, with backstage access and a small gift.
Teachers may also write a brief motivational message for each student to share with the jury and enrich the evaluation.

 

H OW TO PARTICIPATE

Simply complete and submit by 5 November 2026 the registration form available on the official website https://www.agnesipianocompetition.com/kids-registration-form/, attaching proof of payment of the participation fee. The form must be completed and signed by a parent/legal guardian.

Participation fees are as follows:

Soloists

  • €45 — Piano Gnomes and Little Stars (4–5 years)
  • €45 — Keyboard Fairies and Wizards (6–7 years)
  • €55 — Knights and Princesses of the Stave (8–9 years)
  • €55 — Heroes and Heroines of Music (10–11 years)

Four Hands (fees per duo)

  • €55 — Enchanted Duets of the Musical Forest (6–8 years)
  • €55 — Harmonic Alliances of the Sonorous Kingdom (9–11 years)

The registration fee, which is non-refundable, 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 Sezione Kids” 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. The total amount should be sent to direzione@newstarmilano.it.


Important notes
i. Parents/legal guardians, upon arrival, must allow the Organisation to verify the identity of participants through them.
ii. Participants must be accompanied by their parents/legal guardians.
iii. The Kids Section is limited to a maximum of 50 participants. The Organisation reserves the right to close registrations early once this limit is reached.

 

 

 

LETTER FROM THE MUSIC FAIRY

The Note Fairy has written a special letter for all young contestants: a magical message to inspire every child to live this experience with joy and wonder.

Download the letter in PDF and read it with your little pianist before the competition—or bring it as a good luck charm.

 

👉 Download the letter from Music Fairy.

 

FAREWELL FROM THE KING AND QUEEN OF NOTES

 

Thank you for bringing your music to our enchanted kingdom.
Keep playing with love and imagination, and remember: every key you touch is the start of a beautiful adventure.

See you at the next magical performance. Musically yours,
The King and Queen of Notes

SUPPLEMENTARY RULES

1 – INCLUSIVITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

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. 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 contacts indicated in point 7 below. No such notification has any bearing whatsoever on the Jury’s assessment, which is based exclusively on artistic merit.

2 – DISCLAIMERS AND LIABILITY

By registering for the Competition, the parent/legal guardian declares that no personal, professional or legal circumstances exist that would prevent 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 assumes no obligation to supervise minors.

3 – LOGISTICAL INFORMATION

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.

4 – PRIVACY

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 point 5 below and requires a 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.

5 – USE OF IMAGES AND AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDINGS

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 point 7.

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.

6 – ACCEPTANCE OF THE REGULATIONS

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.com/kids-regulations.

7 – INFORMATION AND CONTACTS

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).

8 – DISCLAIMERS AND JURISDICTION

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.

MAGICAL Q&A FOR PARENTS

What if they get nervous and freeze?

No problem! They will be given time to collect themselves calmly. Our goal is to make them feel safe and encouraged.

Do they need to play from memory?

No, it is not required. Children may also perform with the sheet music in front of them, if they prefer.

Will there be instruments available to practise on?

Yes, we will make an instrument available for brief warm-up sessions, with scheduled slots organised by category.

Should the sheet music be brought for the jury?

Yes, it is advisable to hand in a copy on the day itself to facilitate listening and assessment.

Can the child play more than one piece?

Yes! As long as the total duration stays within the maximum time allowed for the category.

How does the competition day unfold?

Each participant will receive their precise schedule by email. It will be a day of music, warmth, and wonderful emotions — stress-free!

Competition

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.

Jury

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.

Prizes

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.

Winners

All the Winners of this first 2025 edition