Question 1

Is there an entry fee?

Accepted Answer

No, entry to the Championship is completely free. However, each entrant must have their own legally purchased book or PDF containing the piece they perform. Photocopies are not permitted, except for page turns in longer pieces.

Question 2

You say the competition is open to all ages except not to “professional players” – what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

A professional player is defined as a person who derives the major part of their income from flute, clarinet or saxophone performance.

Question 3

Which age group should I enter?

Accepted Answer

Age is calculated as at 31 October 2026, so please enter the section for the age you will be on that date. The OPEN Championship is for amateur players aged 18 and over.

Question 4

My child is under 18 – is there anything I need to do as a parent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The entry form includes a consent section that must be completed by a parent or guardian for any entrant under 18.

Question 5

Can I play in an ensemble piece as well as performing a solo?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each entrant may enter a maximum of 3 sections (any combination of the Age Championship, Unaccompanied Solo, Creative Presentation, Ensemble - Duet/Trio, Ensemble - Flute Choir and Clarinet & Saxophone Championship), but they must perform different music for each section. Please remember to use a separate entry form for each section.

Question 6

I entered the competition last year - can I play the same piece?

Accepted Answer

Yes you may, but it must be recorded again during this year’s competition dates, that is on or after 2 September 2026 and on or before 31 October 2026.

Question 7

Do I need a piano accompanist?

Accepted Answer

You need piano accompaniment if you are entering an Age Championship, or if you are playing a work written for flute and piano in any other section, such as the Creative Presentation. In that case the piano part must be included. You may use a live accompanist, the free backing tracks on our YouTube channel, or backing tracks purchased as downloads.

Question 8

If I buy a PDF, how do I get the piano part?

Accepted Answer

The printed collections such as Lyrical Flute Encores, Lyrical Flute Legends and Lyrical Flute Miniatures include the piano part in the book, and for The Young Flute Player series the piano music for all the books is in Book 3.The digital PDF editions of the Lyrical collections include the flute part and the piano backing tracks, but not the piano score. If you would like the PDF of the piano score for any of the Lyrical collections, or for The Young Flute Player Book 3, it is available separately from Allegro Music Publishing – please email info@allegromusicpublishing.com.

Question 9

Is it okay to use a backing track for my performance?

Accepted Answer

Yes absolutely! However, please do a sound check to make sure the volume of the background track is right before you record the whole piece. The main problem we have had is that the backing track is too soft to be heard, but you also don’t want it so loud that it drowns out your playing!

Question 10

What music is suitable for advanced players?

Accepted Answer

The most suitable pieces will be Tarantella (Netzel, arr. Karen North), Queen of the Night (Mozart, arr. Karen North) and Carmen Prelude (Bizet, arr. Karen North), and for the ensemble section, many of the duets in Inspiring Flute Duets (including extended techniques).There are also suitable works towards the end of Lyrical Flute Encores and Inspiring Flute Solos from page 43 onwards. Please remember, musical expression, tone quality and nuanced playing are just as important as displaying fast finger technique!

Question 11

For the ensemble section, can I double parts for a flute group?

Accepted Answer

You may double parts and add piccolo, alto or bass flute, but you must keep to the parts as written (parts may be transposed to suit these instruments).

Question 12

Is portrait or landscape better for my video?

Accepted Answer

Landscape format is preferred for both solo and ensemble entries, as it shows you and your instrument more clearly and allows all players in an ensemble to be seen. For the Creative Presentation, either landscape or portrait format is fine. Either format is accepted in any section. The most important thing is that you and your instrument are well centred in the picture, with your hands and the whole of your instrument clearly visible.

Question 13

How do I show that I own the music?

Accepted Answer

At the start of your video, announce your first name and the title of your piece, and show the front cover of the book. If you prefer not to speak on the video, please send a separate photo of yourself with your book instead. If you have purchased a digital PDF, you do not need to show the cover, but please send a copy of your purchase invoice.

Question 14

How do I upload my video?

Accepted Answer

Please upload your video to the Dropbox link on the entry form. Then upload it to YouTube as UNLISTED (not “private”) and paste the link where required on the form. If you are not able to upload to YouTube, Dropbox alone is acceptable, but a YouTube link is appreciated as it assists the judging. Full instructions are on the competition information page.

Question 15

How will I know my entry has been received?

Accepted Answer

You will receive an auto-generated email when you lodge your online entry form - this does NOT indicate acceptance of your entry. You should receive an email from Allegro Music Publishing within 3 days of entering, to confirm that your video has been received and checked and that your entry is accepted. If you do not receive this, please submit the contact form on the website.

Question 16

Do you accept late entries?

Accepted Answer

No, we are unable to accept late entries. We suggest you don’t leave recording your piece until the last minute!

Question 17

Can I share my video on social media before the results?

Accepted Answer

No. Please keep your video unlisted on YouTube and do not share it on social media, including private accounts, until the results have been announced.

Question 18

Do I get feedback from the judges?

Accepted Answer

Yes. However, as there is no entry fee for this competition, please understand that this will not be detailed feedback, just a brief comment on your performance. Every entrant also receives an individualised Participation Certificate signed by the judges.

Question 19

When will the results be announced?

Accepted Answer

The winners will be announced on 25 November 2026 on the Allegro Music Publishing website, on Facebook and on Instagram. Winners will also be notified by email.

NOW OPEN! Lyrical Flute International Championship

Frequently asked questions