GMIC Regulations & Guidelines

Categories & Levels

  • Beginner (performer who has possessed basic skills of playing, the age of participants is restricted to 8 years old inclusive);

    Foundation (performer who presents Initial – Grade 2 ABRSM/Trinity repertoire or repertoire of an equal complexity);

    Intermediate (performer who is presents Grade 3 – Grade 5 ABRSM/Trinity repertoire or repertoire of an equal complexity);

    Advanced (performer who is presents Grade 6 – Grade 8 ABRSM/Trinity repertoire or repertoire of an equal complexity);

    Superior (performer who is presents ATCL/LTCL Performance Diplomas ABRSM/Trinity repertoire or repertoire of an equal complexity)

    Adult (performer who is aged above 18 y/o regardless of the level and is not a professional musician)

  • Beginner (4 – 8y/o);

    Foundation (9 – 11y/o);

    Intermediate (12 – 14y/o);

    Advanced (15 – 17y/o);

    Superior (18y/o and above);

    Adult (18 y/o or above, who is not being a professional musician)

  • Junior (the oldest performer of the ensemble is 11y/o or below)

    Senior (the oldest performer of the ensemble is 12y/o or above)

Program Requirements

Contestants are required to prepare 1 or 2 pieces for the Qualification Rounds and the Grand Final (if nominated).

Solo Categories

Beginner Level

  • Solo Piano and Solo Instrumental (except Drums): 2 pieces of contestant’s choice

  • Solo Voice and Instrumental (Drums only): 1 piece of contestant’s choice

Foundation Level

  • Solo Piano and Solo Instrumental (except Drums): 1 or 2 pieces of contestant’s choice

  • Solo Voice and Instrumental (Drums only): 1 piece of contestant’s choice

Intermediate Level

  • All Categories: 1 piece of contestant’s choice

Advanced Level

  • All Categories: 1 piece of contestant’s choice

Superior Level

  • All Categories: 1 piece of contestant’s choice

Adult Level

  • All Categories: 1 piece of the contestant’s choice

Ensemble Category:

  • May include small classical ensembles or rock & pop bands consisting of 2 – 5 contestants.

  • The ensemble may be composed entirely of school-aged participants or include an adult accompanist.

  • For participation in the Ensemble Category, each ensemble/band should prepare one piece of contestants’ choice.

Guidelines

A woman in a blue dress playing a violin outdoors in a wooded area.

  • Performance Format:

    • Participants must perform in person for the Qualification Rounds at Harmony Music Center. The Grand Final will be held at Nadeen School, where qualifying participants will also perform in person.

    • The results will be announced the morning after the Qualification Round. Bahrain-based performers who place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd will be invited to the Grand Final Award Ceremony.

    • Gold Medalists will perform again at the Grand Final and compete for special awards. Silver and Bronze medalists will receive their awards without the need to perform.

    Grand Final Performance:

    • During the Grand Final nominated contestants may perform the same piece as in the Qualification Round or choose a different one.

    • No extra points are awarded for performing a different piece, but in the event of a tie, performers with new material will be ranked higher.

    Performance Requirement:

    • All performances must be memorized. Using a music sheet will result in a penalty.

    • Contestants may be moved to a more appropriate level if their chosen repertoire doesn’t align with their current category.

    Accompaniment and Backing Tracks:

    • Live accompaniment or a high-quality backing track is allowed for Instrumental and Voice categories.

    • For Beginner Level Piano, a backing track is permitted, but no duets with the teacher.

    Awards and Prizes:

    • 1st Prize: Certificate of Achievement and Gold Medal

    • 2nd Prize: Certificate of Achievement and Silver Medal

    • 3rd Prize: Certificate of Achievement and Bronze Medal

    • Special Awards for 1st Prize holders, based on their performance during the Grand Final

    • Certificates of Participation for all contestants

    • Certificates of Appreciation for Teachers and Accompanists

  • Performance Format:

    • Overseas participants will take part in the Qualification Rounds online by submitting a video recording from their home, school, or concert hall.

    • Travel to Bahrain is not required for the Qualification Rounds.

    • 1st Prize winners (Gold Medalists) from overseas may choose, based on their wish and availability, to travel to Bahrain for the Grand Final and Award Ceremony. Those who travel will perform their competition piece live on stage, receive their medal in person, and have the opportunity to compete for special awards. Those who do not travel will receive their certificate via email

    Video Recording Requirements:

    • All recordings must be submitted to GMIC@harmonybahrain.com by November 15, 2025.

    • Videos may be attached directly to the email (if file size allows) or uploaded to a cloud-based storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.) and shared as a downloadable link.

    Video Recording Guidelines:

    • Ensure clear sound, free from background noise.

    • The performer’s face, body, and instrument must be fully visible, including all parts used to produce sound.

    • Participants should wear appropriate performance attire.

    Video Sharing:

    • Submitted recordings will be published on the Competition’s official YouTube channel alongside live performances from Bahrain-based participants.

    • Videos will also be shown to Bahrain-based contestants during the Qualification Rounds and the Grand Final to encourage cross-cultural exchange and learning.

    Awards and Prizes:

    • .Points and awards will be allocated separately for Bahrain-based live performers and overseas online performers.

    • Digital Certificates of Achievement will be emailed to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners, and Certificates of Participation to all contestants.

    • Certificates of Appreciation will be emailed to teachers and accompanists.

    • Overseas 1st Prize winners (Gold Medalists) may opt to travel to Bahrain for the Grand Final and Award Ceremony. Those who attend will perform on stage, receive their medal, and compete for special awards. Those who do not travel will receive their certificate via email.

    • Overseas 2nd Prize, 3rd Prize, and Participation Certificate holders will receive their certificates via email and do not need to travel.

    For Adjudicators: "Stay tuned for the announcement of our panel of adjudicators, coming soon!"

    For Contest Outcome: "Contest outcomes will be shared during the competition week—stay tuned for updates!"

Timeline

  • October 1 – Registration Opens

  • November 2 – Registration Closes

  • November 16 – Qualification Rounds Schedule Published

  • November 17 – Deadline for Overseas Participants to Submit Videos

  • November 21 – Harmony's Teachers Concert and Opening Ceremony

  • November 24-28 – Qualification Rounds

  • November 25-29 – Results Published for Bahrain-based and Overseas Participants

  • November 29 – Grand Final and Award Ceremony Schedule Published

  • November 30 – Grand Final and Award Ceremony