The Happy Music Festival 2026 is a music festival open to all pianists, violinists, vocalists, locals or foreigners. There is only one final round, held-in-person, live in Singapore. No qualifying rounds, no elimination, no semi-finals.

Top performers will be invited to perform at the Gala Concert, held live in Singapore too.

Registration fee is the same for all nationalities.

There will be only one round – One Final Round, Live, and a Gala Concert.

All participants who registered will perform in the Finals, live in Singapore.

Top performers of the Finals will be invited to perform in the Gala Concert at the Victoria Concert Hall, Singapore’s oldest and most iconic concert hall.

Once you’ve registered, you can start preparing your performance piece according to the category guidelines. Submit your performer and repertoire details before the deadline of 2nd August 2026, 2359 hrs, which is also the last day of the registration.

The Finals will be a Live Performance, which will take place on 5-6th Sept (Sat-Sunday) and 12-13th Sept (Sat-Sunday),  at Bechstein Music World, Singapore. Participants will receive exact timeslot of Finals by 16th August 2026.

Yes. You can register first

You can then decide your performance piece according to the category guidelines, and submit your repertoire details by 2nd August 2026 2359 hours, which is also the last day of the registration.

Age eligibility of each category is based on your birth year only – the year you are born, as reflected on your NRIC or Birth certificate.

As of this year 2026, if your birth year is 2014, you’re considered a 12 years old contestant for this festival.

Yes. The age eligibility for Classical Junior Category (Piano) is for performers aged 12 years old and below, accordingly to birth year of 2014 and above.

You will be in Piano Classical Junior (C), for age 11-12 years old performers.

If you are 13 years old as of 2026, you can participate in other categories that fit your age criteria.

If one of the pianists is 12 years old and below (as of 2026), you will be under Four Hands Junior.

The age eligibility for Classical Junior Category (Piano) is for performers aged 12 years old and below, as of birth year 2014 and above.

You will be in Piano Classical Junior (C), for age 11-12 years old performers.

But if you want to participate in categories of higher age group, like Classical intermediate A (13-14 years old) or B (15-16 years old), you are welcomed to do so.

However, you cannot participate in categories of lower age group, like Classical Junior A (7-8 years old) or Little Stars (6 years old and below)

Yes. You can register for both Classical and Pop categories. Registration fees of two categories will apply.

A contestant is only allowed to register for one classical category – either Classical Junior, Classical Intermediate, or Classical Senior.

If you compete in two categories, you’ll be presented with two sets of certificates, gifts, and also trophies if you win.

Yes. You can.

For example, you can register for Piano Classical Junior, and Piano Four Hands. You can also register for Violin Classical Intermediate and Violin Ensemble category.

Yes. You can register in multiple categories

For example, you can register for Piano Classical Junior, and Piano Four Hands.  You can also register for Violin Classical Intermediate and Violin Ensemble, Pop Vocal Open category

There is no limit on the numbers of students you can send. You are encouraged to send as many students as you like. Your students will benefit greatly from this festival as it will motivate them and build up their performance experience. You also stand a chance to win Outstanding Teacher prizes when your students excel in the festival!

If you register at least 3 students, you’ll receive a Teacher Certificate of Recognition (digital certificate). We appreciate you for your hard work and effort in preparing your students for this festival.

Yes, you can. You can register and state your music school as your representative in this festival.

The name of your music school will be printed in your certificate.

If you win Absolute or Jury Prizes in the Grand Finals, the name of your music school will be featured on the result page too.

If your school has 3 or more students receiving Distinction Awards in the Grand Finals, the school name will be featured on the Festival Hall Of Fame, till the next festival.

Registration fees payment will be made online, via credit card or debit card payment. You’ll receive an email confirmation once you complete the registration

After the final results are announced, top performers will be invited to register for the Gala Concert.

A registration fee of $150 per performer/group, include 4 complimentary audience tickets, official photography, & official video recording. Sales of Gala Concert tickets for public audiences to be announced on later date.

All category sessions will be held over the 4 days of 5-6th Sept 2026 (Saturday-Sunday) & 12-13th Sept 2026 (Sat-Sun).

Categories that falls on 5-6th Sept 2026 (Sat-Sunday) 2026:
Violin: Violin Classical Junior A&B, Violin Classical Intermediate A&B, Pop Violin Junior, Pop Violin Open, Violin Ensemble Open
Piano: Piano Little Stars, Piano Classical Junior A, B, C

Categories that falls on 12-13th Sept 2026 (Sat-Sunday) 2026:
Piano: Pop Piano Junior, Pop Piano Open, Sing & Play Junior, Sing & Play Open, Four-Hands Junior, Four-Hands Open, Classical Intermediate A&B, Classical Senior
Vocal: Pop Vocal Junior, Pop Vocal Open

Exact timeslot to be announced after registration close. Performers need to ensure they can to commit the stated session dates before registration.

Request for specific day & timing of performance is not allowed. There will be no refunds after registration, including for no-shows or withdrawals.

The name and sequence of the performers of each session will be announced together with the session timeslot by 16th August 2026.

Yes. Performers will be seated in order of performance sequence, and wait to be ushered to warm up room to warm up and practice.

Performers age 12 years old and below may have an adult accompanying him/her at the waiting room, warm up room, and to the main hall until the performance is over.

No. Performers who have not performed for their category, will be at the waiting room or warm up room. After your own performance, you will be seated in the main hall, and you can watch performances after you.

You will be seated in the main hall together with the audience (or your parents). Or you can leave the hall and come back for the results at the end of the session.

Nope. You do not have to do any self-introduction. You just need to walk up the stage, prepare yourself to perform, and start.

You can perform with the music score and will not be penalised. The judging will be based on performance, not memory. You can also choose to play from memory if that helps you perform better.

Yes, you can bring the exam book, song book, folder with music sheets, or any music scores in physical or digital format to perform during the finals.

Yes. Finalists will be performing the full piece accordingly to the category guidelines for the Finals.

The time will start once the first note is played, and end once the last note stops.

The duration of every performance is recorded and submitted to the judges.

Performers may be disqualified if the performance exceed the duration limit, subject to the discretion of the organisers and panel of adjudicators.

No official dress code. You’re encouraged to dress well for your performance. You’re also encouraged to dress according to the piece you’re performing. Bonus marks may be awarded based on dress code and creativity.

High Distinction: 95 and above
Distinction: 85 to 94
Merit: 70 to 84
Participation: 50 to 69

Yes. A pedal extender is available if needed.

Yes

Yes. A microphone will be used for Piano Sing & Play, and Pop Vocal category

Yes, we have longer bench for duet playing.

Date: 5-6th Sept 2026 (Saturday-Sunday) & 12-13th Sept 2026 (Sat-Sun)
Time: To be announced. All finalists will receive their exact Finals timeslots by 16th August 2026
Venue: Bechstein Music World @ Shenton Way, Singapore

Piano finalists will be playing on a Full Concert Grand Piano C.Becshtein D282.

Yes. The public can purchase tickets to attend the Finals live performance. Ticket details to be announced on a later date.

Finals results will be announced on actual day itself. Prizes and trophies will also be presented on the same day.

The judges reserves the right not to award certain prizes if no contestants meet the competition standards.

Judges decision are final and no appeal is allowed.

If you didn’t turn up for the finals for your category, it means you’ve withdrawn yourself from the finals. No refunds, and no certificates or trophies will be awarded.

All pieces from classical piano or violin exam syllabus (ABRSM/Trinity/LCM) will be considered under classical categories.

Nope, participants don’t need to submit the music sheet to us.

For Violin performances, violinists can perform in 2 ways – violin solo only, or violin with live piano accompanist. No backing track allowed. 

For Sing & Play performances, performer will sing while accompanying ownself on the stage piano.

For Pop Vocal performances, vocalists can perform in 2 ways – with audio backing track or with live piano accompanist

No Acapella

There are no restrictions or age limit for participants of the Piano Four Hands and Violin Ensemble categories.

Participants can be siblings, parent and child, teacher and student, teacher and teacher…anyone who plays music!

For Piano Four Hands category, each pair of pianist will be categorized based on the age group (Junior or Open).

For Violin Ensemble category, there is no age limit. Minimum of 2 persons to a maximum of 6 persons. Read the guidelines for more details.

There will be 2-4 judges for each category, and their identity will be revealed on the actual day of festival. This approach is taken to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the judging process.

Yes, judges are welcome to enter their own students into the festival. However, to maintain fairness and impartiality, judges will not be involved in adjudicating their own students. Alternative judging arrangements will be made in such cases.

Judges will not be providing written comments. Each performer will receive a trophy and a physical certificate based on the marks awarded for their performance

All judging decisions are final, and no appeal or re-evaluation is allowed.

The judges reserves the right not to award certain prizes if no contestants meet the required marks for Absolute Winner & Jury Prize.

Ever performer in the Finals will receive:

1. A Trophy based on scores (High Distinction/Distinction/Merit/Participation)
2. Physical Certificate
3. Cash Prize (Absolute Winner & Jury Prizes Only)
4. Festival Welcome Gift
5. 2x Complimentary Audience Tickets
6. Official Video Recording
7. Official Photography

Cash Prize for Absolute Winner & Jury Prize Winners will be presented on Gala Concert.

Your student’s certificate will be printed with your name.

If your student also win Absolute Prize or Jury Prizes in the finals, your name will be featured in the results page permanently.

If you have 3 or more students receiving Distinction Awards and above in the Grand Finals, your name will be featured on the Festival Hall Of Fame, till the next festival.

Every contestant’s certificate will feature the name of his/her representative – which can be the teacher, parent, music school, or ownself.

If the performer is awarded Absolute Prize or Jury Prizes, the representative name will also be featured on the result page.

If you win the Outstanding Teacher Prize 1st, we will send you the instructions to redeem “1x Singapore Airlines Business Class Round-Trip to Bangkok (Worth $1,000).”

Terms & Conditions:
1. Prize Coverage: One (1) return Business Class ticket from Singapore to Bangkok, valued at approximately SGD $1,000.

2. Fare Category: This ticket is issued under the Business Lite fare category. All specific fare rules associated with Business Lite apply. Include:
– Complimentary checked baggage allowance of 40kg.
– Complimentary advanced seat selection.
– Access to the “Book the Cook” service (must be reserved at least 24 hours before departure).
– Complimentary access to the SilverKris Lounge in Singapore and authorized partner lounges in Bangkok.
– Taxes: All prevailing airport and government taxes are included in the prize.

3. Exclusions: Does not include personal in-flight expenses, excess baggage fees, travel insurance, or ground transportation.

4. Booking Deadline: Tickets must be officially booked by 30th November 2026. Availability is subject to flight capacity; early booking is highly recommended to secure preferred times.

5. Travel Period: Valid strictly for travel between 13th March – 21st March 2027.

6. Strict No-Change Policy: Once the booking is confirmed, no cancellations, date changes, or route amendments are permitted.

7. Non-Transferable: This offer is tied to the designated recipient. It cannot be exchanged for cash, sold, or transferred to any other individual.

If you win the Outstanding Teacher Prize 2nd or 3rd, we will send you the instructions to redeem “2-Night Hotel Stay in Bangkok ($200)”

Terms & Conditions:
1. Credit Value: Maximum capped at SGD $200. Any costs exceeding this amount are the responsibility of the guest.

2. Duration: Valid for any number of nights, provided the total claim does up to the SGD $200 cap.

3. Hotel Choice: Valid for any hotel in Bangkok of the recipient’s preference, subject to availability.

4. Stay Dates: Strictly valid for stays between 13th March – 21st March 2027.

5. Booking Channel: Must be booked exclusively via Trip.com following our specific provided instructions.

6. Non-Reimbursable: Bookings made through other platforms or without following instructions will not be honored.

7. Residual Value: No cash refunds or credits will be issued if the total booking cost is under SGD $200.

8. Exclusions: Credit covers room rates and taxes only; incidental charges (e.g., room service, deposits) are excluded.

9. Non-Transferable: This offer cannot be exchanged for cash or transferred to another individual.

If you win the Outstanding Teacher Prize 4th or 5th, we will send you the instructions to redeem “1-Night Hotel Stay in Bangkok ($100)”

Terms & Conditions:
1. Credit Value: Maximum capped at SGD $100. Any costs exceeding this amount are the responsibility of the guest.

2. Duration: Valid for any number of nights, provided the total claim does up to the SGD $100 cap.

3. Hotel Choice: Valid for any hotel in Bangkok of the recipient’s preference, subject to availability.

4. Stay Dates: Strictly valid for stays between 13th March – 21st March 2027.

5. Booking Channel: Must be booked exclusively via Trip.com following our specific provided instructions.

6. Non-Reimbursable: Bookings made through other platforms or without following instructions will not be honored.

7. Residual Value: No cash refunds or credits will be issued if the total booking cost is under SGD $100.

8. Exclusions: Credit covers room rates and taxes only; incidental charges (e.g., room service, deposits) are excluded.

9. Non-Transferable: This offer cannot be exchanged for cash or transferred to another individual.

The lucky draw will be conducted using scratch cards. For each lucky draw ticket you have, you will receive one scratch card at the registration counter. So if you have 3 lucky draw tickets, you will receive 3 scratch cards.

Simply scratch each card to reveal your prize, and redeem on the spot!

Each participant will have 1 lucky draw ticket.

If you participate in 2 categories, you will have 2 tickets.

Teachers/Schools will receive 1 lucky draw ticket for each student registered for the Finals.

If you have 10 students under you, you will get 10 lucky draw tickets.

So the more students registered under you, the more lucky draw tickets you have!

Scratch the card you receive on the Finals day to reveal the prize, and redeem your prize at our registration counter. Any prize not redeemed by 13th Sept 2026 will be forfeited.

The Apple iPad will be handled to you by hand on the event day if you’re the lucky draw winner.

If you’re the lucky winner, we will send you the instructions to redeem “2-Night Hotel Stay in Bangkok ($200)”

Terms & Conditions:
1. Credit Value: Maximum capped at SGD $200. Any costs exceeding this amount are the responsibility of the guest.

2. Duration: Valid for any number of nights, provided the total claim does up to the SGD $200 cap.

3. Hotel Choice: Valid for any hotel in Bangkok of the recipient’s preference, subject to availability.

4. Stay Dates: Strictly valid for stays between 13th March – 21st March 2027.

5. Booking Channel: Must be booked exclusively via Trip.com following our specific provided instructions.

6. Non-Reimbursable: Bookings made through other platforms or without following instructions will not be honored.

7. Residual Value: No cash refunds or credits will be issued if the total booking cost is under SGD $200.

8. Exclusions: Credit covers room rates and taxes only; incidental charges (e.g., room service, deposits) are excluded.

9. Non-Transferable: This offer cannot be exchanged for cash or transferred to another individual.

If you’re the lucky winner, we will send you the instructions to redeem “1-Night Hotel Stay in Bangkok ($100)”

Terms & Conditions:
1. Credit Value: Maximum capped at SGD $100. Any costs exceeding this amount are the responsibility of the guest.

2. Duration: Valid for any number of nights, provided the total claim does up to the SGD $100 cap.

3. Hotel Choice: Valid for any hotel in Bangkok of the recipient’s preference, subject to availability.

4. Stay Dates: Strictly valid for stays between 13th March – 21st March 2027.

5. Booking Channel: Must be booked exclusively via Trip.com following our specific provided instructions.

6. Non-Reimbursable: Bookings made through other platforms or without following instructions will not be honored.

7. Residual Value: No cash refunds or credits will be issued if the total booking cost is under SGD $100.

8. Exclusions: Credit covers room rates and taxes only; incidental charges (e.g., room service, deposits) are excluded.

9. Non-Transferable: This offer cannot be exchanged for cash or transferred to another individual.

The organising committee of The Happy Music Festival reserves to right to publish any competition video and photographs of any contestant’s performance on websites and other media platforms without payment of compensation to the contestants.