ArtSense
Music Festival & Competition

ArtSense Internatioal Music Festival & Compeititon 2026 

(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Date: 4-7 August, 2026

Competition Date: Wed, 5-August, 2026

Venue: Dominus Arts Venue | KL Campus

1. INTRODUCTION

The Artsense International Music Competition is established to provide a professional platform for musicians of all ages to showcase their musical artistry, performance skills, and creativity.

The competition aims to encourage musical excellence, stage confidence, and artistic expression through a fair and structured adjudication system conducted by a panel of qualified adjudicators.

Artsense promotes both individual musical achievement and collaborative performance, while maintaining high artistic and professional standards.

2. COMPETITION CATEGORIES

2.1 Solo Category

Open to individual performers.

Instrument Categories (With Age Group Division)

• Piano

• Violin

• Vocal

• Drum

• Guitar

  • Classical Guitar

  • Acoustic Guitar (Contemporary)

• Ukulele

Participants in these instruments will compete within their respective age groups.

Open Instrument Categories (No Age Group)

• Traditional Instruments

• Other Instruments (subject to organiser approval)
  
  

Important:

• These categories do not have age group divisions.

• Participants compete in one open category regardless of age.

• These categories are not eligible for Age Category Championship titles.
  
  

2.2 Ensemble Category

The Ensemble Category allows performers to collaborate using any combination of instruments and/or vocals.

Mixed instrumentation is allowed.

Ensemble Divisions

• Duet – 2 performers

• Trio – 3 performers

• Quartet – 4 performers

• Small Group – 5–12 performers

• Large Group – 13 performers and above (Depends on stage’s size)
  
  

Important Notes

• There is no age restriction among ensemble members.

• Any combination of instruments and/or vocals is permitted.

3. AGE GROUPS (SOLO CATEGORY)

Applicable only to:

Piano, Violin, Vocal, Drum, Guitar, and Ukulele.

Age Group & Division

1.  Age 6-9 - Junior A 

2. Age 10-12 - Junior B

3. Age 13-15 - Youth A

4. Age 16-18 - Youth B

5. Age 19 & above - Adult Open Category

4. PERFORMANCE DURATION

Participants must strictly adhere to the maximum performance duration.

Solo Category: Piano / Violin / Vocal / Drum / Guitar / Ukulele

Age Group & Maximum Duration

Junior A: Age 6–9 (within 3 minutes)

Junior B: Age 10–12 (within 3 minutes)

Youth A: Age 13–15 (within 4 minutes)

Youth B: Age 16–18 (within 5 minutes)

Adult: Age 19 & Above (within 5 minutes)

Traditional & Other Instruments:

Within 4 minutes

Ensemble Category

All ensemble divisions:

Maximum duration: Within 5 minutes

5. REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS

1. Participants may perform a maximum of two (2) pieces.

2. Participants may perform one or two pieces within the allowed duration.

3. The total performance time must not exceed the allocated duration for the category.

4. Repertoire selection is open choice unless otherwise specified.

6. SCORING & AWARD SYSTEM

Performances will be evaluated by a professional adjudication panel based on:

• Technical accuracy

• Musical interpretation

• Tone quality

• Rhythm and coordination

• Stage presence

• Overall musical presentation
  
  

For ensemble groups, additional assessment includes:

• Ensemble coordination

• Balance and blend

7. AWARD DISTINCTION SYSTEM
90 – 100: Artsense Distinction Award
80 – 89: Gold Award
70 – 79: Silver Award
50 – 69: Bronze Award
0 – 49: Certificate of Participation

Awards are determined by marks obtained, not by ranking.

8. CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES

8.1 Age Category Championship (Solo)

Each age group will have one Age Category Champion.

Conditions:

• The champion must achieve the highest mark within the age group.

• The participant must score 90 marks or above.

• Only participants from the following instruments are eligible:

  • Piano

  • Violin

  • Vocal

  • Drum

  • Guitar

  • Ukulele
    
    

• Traditional Instruments and Other Instruments categories are not eligible for this title.
  
  

The organiser reserves the right not to award the championship if the required standard is not achieved.

8.2 Ensemble Overall Championship

One Ensemble Overall Champion will be selected.

Conditions:

• The ensemble must obtain the highest score among all ensemble entries.

• The group must achieve 90 marks or above.

• The organiser reserves the right not to award the title if the required standard is not met.

9. PERFORMANCE REGULATIONS

1. All performances must be live.
   
   

2. Backing tracks:
   
   

   • Permitted for all solo categories (mp3 format only).

   • Ensemble performances:

     • Vocal groups are allowed to use backing tracks.

     • Instrumental ensembles are not allowed to use backing tracks.
       
       

1. Participants must report at least 30 minutes before their scheduled performance time.

2. Late arrival may result in disqualification.

3. Timing begins from the first note played or sung.

4. Participants exceeding the time limit may be stopped by the adjudicator or organiser.

5. Exceeding the time limit may result in mark deduction at the adjudicator’s discretion.

10. ADJUDICATION & RESULTS POLICY

1. The decision of the adjudication panel is final and binding.

2. No appeals, objections, or disputes will be entertained.

3. No comment sheets, written feedback, or mark breakdowns will be provided.

4. Only award results will be announced on the competition day.

5. Individual scores will remain confidential.

11. REGISTRATION & PAYMENT

1. Registration will be confirmed only upon full payment of the competition fee.

2. All fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferable.

3. Withdrawal from the competition will not entitle participants to any refund.

4. The organiser reserves the right to close registration once capacity is reached.

12. CODE OF CONDUCT

Participants, teachers, parents, and supporters must maintain professional behaviour throughout the event.

The organiser reserves the right to disqualify any participant who:

• Provides false information

• Displays disruptive or unsportsmanlike conduct

• Attempts to influence adjudicators or organisers

• Violates any competition regulations

13. MEDIA & RECORDING RIGHTS

The organiser reserves the right to:

• Photograph performances

• Record audio and video

• Use recordings for promotional, educational, or archival purposes
  
  

Participants agree that these materials may be used without further permission or compensation.

14. ORGANISER’S RIGHTS

The organiser reserves the right to:

• Amend competition rules when necessary

• Merge or divide categories depending on entry numbers

• Adjust the competition schedule

• Postpone or cancel the competition due to unforeseen circumstances

15. AWARDS & CERTIFICATES

15.1 Solo Category

1. Every solo participant will receive one (1) trophy.

2. Participants will also receive a certificate indicating the award achieved.

3. Certificates may be issued in physical or digital format, subject to the organiser’s decision.
   
   

15.2 Ensemble Category

1. Each ensemble group will receive one (1) trophy for the entire group.

2. Each ensemble group will receive one (1) certificate for the group.

3. Certificates may be issued in physical or digital format, subject to the organiser’s decision.
   
   

15.3 Age Category Champion

Each Age Category Champion will receive:

• One (1) Championship Trophy

• One (1) Championship Certificate
  
  

15.4 Ensemble Overall Champion

The Ensemble Overall Champion will receive:

• One (1) Championship Trophy

• One (1) Championship Certificate