Five categories, one stage

Free video pre-selection and a live final on the CKM Main Stage for percussionists aged 7–25. Video deadline 20 December 2026. Entrants from any country are welcome.

Apply to the competition Read the rules

How it works

Video pre-selection, live final

Five categories for percussionists aged 7–25. Pre-selection is by video and free of charge; three finalists from each category perform live on the CKM Main Stage on festival day, before the jury chaired by Engin Gürkey.

Jury chair: Engin Gürkey; the other jury members are announced when applications open. Age is calculated as of festival day. International entrants are welcome; videos may be submitted from anywhere.

Read the Competition Rules

Pre-selection: a single-take, uncut video — A–B 3 min, C 4 min, D–E 5 min
Free repertoire — a piece or an original work, any percussion instrument
3 finalists per category, live final on festival day
Finalists receive the stage and a certificate; category winners receive an award
A jury member whose student is competing does not vote in that category
Video deadline: 20 December 2026

Aages 7–93 finalists · 3 min

Bages 10–123 finalists · 3 min

Cages 13–153 finalists · 4 min

Dages 16–183 finalists · 5 min

Eages 19–253 finalists · 5 min

Scoring

100 points, five criteria

Pre-selection and final are scored on the same criteria. Scores are averaged across jury members; in a tie, technical command decides.

30Technical command — stroke quality, technique, cleanliness

25Rhythmic accuracy and time

25Musicality and expression

10Stage presence

10Programme choice and difficulty

FinalistTop 3 scores in each category

What you gain

What you take home from the festival

Every participant leaves the stage with a document; competition winners with a plaque and an award. All certificates carry the festival logo, a serial number and signatures.

Stage performers

Certificate of participation (solo / ensemble)
Professional photo and video recording
Name in the festival booklet and on the website
Lanyard badge and festival bag

Competition finalists

Live final before the jury on the CKM Main Stage
Finalist certificate
Written jury feedback form
Video recording of the final performance

Category winners

First-prize plaque and award certificate
Stage at the Special Concert with the guests of honour
Free solo slot at the 3rd Meetings
Four-lesson percussion scholarship at Aker Sanat
Product-sponsor gifts (where available)

Second and third places

Placement plaque and award certificate
Stage priority at the 3rd Meetings
Product-sponsor gifts (where available)

Workshop participants

Workshop certificate signed by the instructor
Workshop notes (digital)

School and institution groups

Plaque of appreciation for the institution
Certificate of participation for every student
Festival instructor certificate for the teacher
Group photo and video recording

The jury may also award a Jury Special Prize. All pre-selection entrants receive a digital certificate of entry. Full details in the Competition Rules.

Any questions?

Message us on WhatsApp and we reply the same day. Separate programmes are prepared for school and institution groups.

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