(For Pianists with Disabilities)
§1 – Purpose of the Category
The goal of the Inclusive Artists Category is to ensure that pianists with disabilities have equal access to international competition formats and are not excluded by structural barriers.
This category is not intended as a special competition but as a professional framework in which artistic performance is fairly judged, taking into account individual access requirements.
It follows the self-conception of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: full participation, equal opportunities, no exclusion.
§2 – Eligibility
Eligible to participate are pianists:
who would be structurally prevented from participating on an equal basis in regular competition formats due to a disability or long-term impairment.
This may include, among others:
- Physical or motor limitations
- Visual impairment or blindness
- Auditory limitations
- Cognitive or developmental specifics
- Other permanent impairments that complicate access
A simple, informal proof is sufficient, such as:
- An official government disability pass/ID
- A medical certificate without medical details
- Or a written self-declaration by the participant
No diagnoses or detailed medical information will be collected.
§3 – Competition Parts
- Live Audition in Munich
- Minimum of one piano piece of free choice.
- Award Ceremony
- The winner receives the opportunity to perform in a winners’ concert during the Piano Summer Festival.
§4 – Accessibility
The following measures ensure unrestricted access:
- Accessible online registration
- Barrier-free access to the rooms of Nymphenburg Palace (including elevator)
- Accessible restrooms
- On-site assistance (upon prior request)
- Sign language interpretation (upon request)
- Flexible time slots for participants with motor impairments
These measures serve to dismantle structural obstacles and ensure equal participation.
§5 – Jury & Evaluation
The jury consists of:
- Professional pianists and professors
- Experts in inclusion and disability arts
Evaluation Criteria
- Musical quality
- Technical execution within the scope of individual physical prerequisites
- Musical expression
- Interpretive personality
- Stage presence
Evaluation Principle
The assessment is based on the same artistic criteria as in all other categories. Individual physical framework conditions are taken into account, but without applying modified evaluation standards.
This ensures fairness without special treatment or different assessment systems.
§6 – Prizes
The winner receives:
- An official certificate from the Munich Piano Competition
- A Piano Summer Academy scholarship
- A winners’ concert performance as part of the Piano Summer Festival