Judging Criteria
David Hicken’s 2025 Online Piano Competition
Each performance will be reviewed with great care by David Hicken. Judging will be based on the following key areas, tailored appropriately for each difficulty level (Lists A, B, and C):
1. Technical Accuracy
- Correct notes and rhythms
- Clean execution of passages
- Consistency in articulation and dynamics
- Control of tempo and pacing
2. Musical Interpretation
- Awareness of style and period (e.g., Baroque, Romantic)
- Use of phrasing, rubato, and expressive nuance
- Dynamic shaping and contrast
- Attention to detail in ornaments and pedalling
3. Tone and Sound Quality
- Balance between hands and registers
- Clarity of melody lines and inner voices
- Use of touch and pedal to shape sound
- Warmth, color, and resonance
4. Expression and Communication
- Conveyance of mood, character, or narrative
- Emotional engagement with the music
- Confidence and stage presence (even via video)
- Sense of musical storytelling
5. Overall Presentation
- Video quality (clear view of performer and hands)
- One continuous, unedited take
- Professionalism in appearance and setup
- Adherence to submission guidelines
Special Consideration
The judge will take into account the difficulty of the piece (List A, B, or C). Pianists will not be penalised for choosing a simpler work, as all performances are judged within the context of the list selected, not against each other.
This ensures that performers of all levels are evaluated fairly, based on musical integrity, not sheer technical complexity.