All competition entries must be submitted online via the festival website at: https://www.iaap.ie/application-form

Entry fees must accompany the completed entry form. Entries will only be accepted once payment has been received. Entry fees are non-refundable, except in the event that a competition is cancelled by the festival organisers.

The age of competitors will be calculated as the age they reach on 1 January 2026.
For example, if a competitor turns 10 after 1 January 2026, they may still enter the Under 10 category.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the competitor is entered into the correct age category.

For all Solo Competitions, participants are required to perform one piece or one movement of a work, not exceeding 9 minutes duration.
For Repertoire Competitions, participants should prepare a balanced programme of pieces that does not exceed the time limit specified for their age category (see competition categories for details).
The same piece may not be performed in both Solo and Repertoire competitions.

Performances that exceed the stated time limits may be stopped by the adjudicator. Time limits will be strictly observed in order to maintain the festival schedule.

All competition entries must be submitted online via the festival website at: https://www.iaap.ie/application-form

Instrumental and vocal performances requiring accompaniment must be performed with piano accompaniment.
 

The festival is pleased to provide access to official festival accompanists, who will accompany performers during the competitions and the Prizewinners’ Concert.
Participants are responsible for arranging rehearsal and performance fees directly with the accompanist, according to the number of competitions and rehearsals required.
 

Competitors wishing to perform with the official festival accompanist must contact the accompanist in advance to arrange rehearsal time. Rehearsals and performance fees should be agreed and paid directly to the accompanist.

Competitors are expected to provide clear and legible copies of the music to the accompanist well in advance of the competition.

The festival cannot guarantee rehearsal availability for late requests.
 

Competitors may also choose to provide their own accompanist.

Competitors must provide a copy of the music score for the adjudicator before the performance. All music must be clearly marked and presented in an orderly manner.
It is the responsibility of the performer to ensure that all copies used and provided comply with copyright laws, and that appropriate licences or permissions have been obtained where required.

The adjudicator’s decision is final. No correspondence or discussion regarding the adjudication will be entered into.

A minimum mark of 90 must be achieved in order for a First Prize to be awarded in any competition.

In cases where only one competitor is entered in a competition, the adjudicator may still award prizes provided the required standard and marks are achieved.

Prize winners may be invited to perform at the Prizewinners’ Concert, where additional special prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the adjudicators and festival organisers.

All cups and trophies remain the property of the Ashbourne Music Festival and are awarded for one year only. Winners are responsible for the safe keeping and return of trophies before the next festival.

The festival organisers reserve the right to combine, divide, or cancel competitions depending on the number of entries received. The order of performances will be determined by the organisers.

The festival may take photographs or video recordings during competitions and concerts for promotional purposes. By entering the competition, participants grant permission for such materials to be used by the festival.

All competition rounds are open to the public, and audiences are warmly encouraged to attend and support the performers.

Competitors must be ready to perform when called. The festival organisers reserve the right to disqualify or move competitors to the end of the class if they are not present when their name is announced.

Audience members are kindly requested to ensure that all mobile phones and electronic devices are switched off or set to silent mode during performances.

Unauthorised audio or video recording by audience members is not permitted during competitions or concerts without prior permission from the festival organisers.

The festival organisers reserve the right to amend the rules where necessary and to make decisions on any matters not covered by these regulations.