AIFA International Music Competition – Terms & Conditions
Last updated: January 2026
1. Scope & Agreement
These Terms and Conditions (the “Terms”) apply to all participants entering the AIFA International Music Competition (the “Competition”). By submitting an entry or paying the participation fee, the participant (or the participant’s parent/guardian, if under 18) agrees to be bound by these Terms.
For the purposes of these Terms:
• “Participant” refers to the performing musician.
• “Organizer” refers to ChocoOnLabo (AIFA Competition Office).
• “Competition” refers to the AIFA International Music Competition.
2. Eligibility
The Competition is open to young musicians from all countries, subject to age and category rules. Age is determined based on the entry deadline.
3. Categories & Repertoire
Participants must select the category appropriate for their age and repertoire. Repertoire must follow the rules and video guidelines provided on the Competition website. Changes to repertoire after submission are not guaranteed to be accepted.
4. Video Submission & Requirements
Performances must be recorded as a continuous take. Video editing, splicing, audio replacement, or artificial enhancement is not permitted. Participants must upload their performance video to YouTube as Unlisted and provide the link in the entry form. The Organizer may request clarification or re-upload if the link is inaccessible or violates guidelines.
5. Jury & Evaluation
The Competition employs a hybrid evaluation system combining AI-assisted analysis and human jury assessment. This system aims to provide both fair evaluation and educational value. The jury’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal. No correspondence regarding jury decisions will be accepted. The Organizer reserves the right to adjust evaluation procedures without prior notice.
6. Awards & Results
Awards and distinctions will be granted according to the results of the evaluation. For details on award classifications, please refer to the “Awards” section on the Competition website.
Multiple winners may be awarded for the same rank, and some ranks may not be awarded. Results may include full rankings and categories.
Results may be published in the following format:
First Prize — [Name] (Country)
Additional information that may be published includes nationality (e.g., “(Canada)”) and teacher (if provided).
7. Certificates & Trophies
Certificates may be issued digitally. Trophies or printed certificates may be offered as optional paid items.
8. Publication & Media Rights
By entering the Competition, participants grant the Organizer the non-exclusive right to publish names, nationalities, awards, certificates, rankings, and selected performance videos on social media or the Competition website (only for award winners or selected performances at the Organizer’s discretion). Media may be used for promotional, educational, archival, or marketing purposes.
9. Personal Information & Privacy
Personal information is collected for the purpose of processing applications, verifying eligibility, publishing results, issuing certificates, contacting participants, and administering the Competition. The Organizer will not sell or share data except as required for operational or legal purposes. The Privacy Policy provides additional details.
10. Entry Procedure
Entries are considered complete only when both payment and entry form have been received. If either is missing, the entry may be treated as incomplete.
11. Payment & Fees
Participation fees must be paid via PayPal or other methods specified on the Competition website. Fees are listed in US Dollars (USD).
12. Refund Policy
All participation fees are strictly non-refundable except where prohibited by law. If a participant pays but does not submit the entry form, the entry may be cancelled and the fee will not be refunded.
13. Failure to Submit Materials
If required materials are missing, corrupted, or violate rules, the Organizer may request resubmission. If the participant fails to respond, the entry may be cancelled.
14. Communication
Official communication is conducted via email or the Contact Form. The Organizer may send one reminder regarding incomplete entries but is not obligated to pursue missing information.
15. Disqualification
The Organizer may disqualify participants for falsified information, manipulated recordings, inappropriate conduct, rule violations, or late submissions. Disqualified participants are not entitled to refunds.
16. Force Majeure
The Organizer is not liable for delays or cancellations caused by events outside its reasonable control, including pandemics, natural disasters, political disturbances, or technical failures.
17. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan. All disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Japanese courts.
18. Organizer Information
Organizer: ChocoOnLabo (AIFA Competition Office)
〒107-0061 東京都港区北青山一丁目3番1号 アールキューブ青山3階
Email: chocoonlabo@gmail.com
International Correspondence Address:
1-3-1 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061, Japan
19. Amendments
The Organizer may modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on the Competition website and apply to future entries unless specified otherwise.
20. Acceptance
Submission of payment and/or entry form constitutes acceptance of these Terms.
