How to get on stage

Six ways to take part, a certificate and recording for every participant, one application form. Applications open on 3 November and close on 20 December.

Go to the application form

Ways to take part

Six ways in

There are six ways to join the festival. Participation terms and fees are sent by e-mail after you apply; there are no tickets for the audience.

Solo stage

Solo Performance

A 3-minute solo; any age, any percussion instrument. Stage order is announced in January.

Group stage

Ensemble

Percussion ensembles, rhythm groups, mixed ensembles. State the number of members and duration in your application.

School & institution

School and Institution Groups

Institutional rate for school, conservatory and arts-centre ensembles; minimum 12 students.

Hands-on

Workshop Participant

All workshops, including the guest artist's, run in small groups; no need to bring an instrument.

Ages 7–25

Competition

Free video pre-selection; finalists perform on festival day. Categories and rules.

Open to all

Audience

Admission is free, no ticket required. Until the hall is full; includes the guests of honour's concert.

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.

Apply

Application form

Fill in the form; we reply by e-mail within two working days. For the competition, remember to add your video link (YouTube, Drive or Vimeo — set to viewable).

Questions: WhatsApp · info@akersanat.com

Applications open on 3 November 2026 and close on 20 December 2026. Early applications are queued in order of receipt. Travelling from abroad? Write to us — we help with venue, timing and practical questions.

Coming from abroad?

Practical notes for international participants

CKM (Caddebostan Cultural Centre) is on the Asian side of Istanbul in Kadıköy, about 40 minutes from Sabiha Gökçen Airport and 60–80 minutes from Istanbul Airport. Drum sets, marimba and vibraphone are provided on stage; bring your own hand percussion or sticks if you prefer. Competition videos can be submitted from any country.

Travel and accommodation are not covered by the festival; we are glad to recommend nearby hotels and help with timing. Write to info@akersanat.com.

Any questions?

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

Message on WhatsApp

Apply WhatsApp