No. This is a separate and new event within the TROMP Festival, specifically focused on solo marimba and vibraphone. It has its own jury, format, and participant group.

Yes, you can. However, if you are selected for the TROMP International Percussion Competition, your place in the  TROMP Next Gen: Mallet Competition  will be automatically cancelled. If you decide to apply for both competitions, both administration fees are applicable.

No. TROMP will provide all marimbas and vibraphones, from well-known and widely used brands. All participants will play on the provided instruments. It is not allowed to bring your own. Participants have to bring their own mallets and optional accessoires.

Yes. On Wednesday (the day before Round 2 starts), each participant will be scheduled for a 10-minute instrument trial. This is not a rehearsal, but a short chance to get a feel for the marimbas and vibraphones.

Yes. The mandatory registration fee is 25 euros, for each participant. Candidates who will be selected to present themselves in round 2 and possibly in round 3 are required to pay 80 euros participation fee. This fee includes entry to a selection of TROMP festival concerts. Fees are non-refundable, even if you decide not to take part in TROMP Next Gen: Mallet Competition in 2026.

No. Participants must arrange and pay for their own travel and accommodation. TROMP will provide practical suggestions for affordable lodging in Eindhoven.

Up to 50 participants are selected based on the video submissions in Round 1. The jury looks at musicality, originality, personality, and artistic potential — not just technical ability.

Yes — if you are selected for Round 2, you will receive personal written feedback from a jury member. This feedback will be shared with you by the TROMP team via email.

We are looking for musicians who bring more than just technical skill — players with strong artistic ideas, a clear identity, and expressive musicality. Your repertoire choices, interpretation, and creativity matter just as much as your precision. We want to discover who you are as an artist, not just what you can play.

Yes. In Round 2, you must perform a 3–4-minute solo piece that you composed yourself. It may be in any style. A score must be submitted. Even if you're new to composing — give it a try!

No live electronics or instrument preparations are allowed in Round 2. Only pre-recorded playback (tape) is permitted. Simple extended techniques may be accepted, but only if they require no setup, no additional gear, and clearly fit within your 15-minute stage time. There is no soundcheck in Round 2, so everything must run smoothly and independently.

Yes. All live rounds — including Round 2 and the Final — are open to the public. Please invite family and friends to join us! More information about ticketsales will be presented online in 2026.

You are free to perform with or without sheet music, whichever you prefer.

You will have a maximum of 15 minutes on stage, including walking on and off, setup, and performance. Please plan your program accordingly. If your performance exceeds the time limit, we will kindly stop you to stay on schedule.

If selected as a finalist, you will perform in the public finale concert on Saturday 26th of September 2026. Each finalist gets a 45-minute soundcheck in the morning, and may perform up to 25 minutes of music. There will be five finalists in total, and a prize ceremony will follow on Sunday 27th of September during the prize ceremony in Muziekgebouw Eindhoven, after the final of the main competition TROMP International Percussion Competition. All 5 finalists will receive four entrance tickets for the finale of the TROMP International Percussion Competition Please invite family and friends to join us for the finale. More information about ticketsales will be presented online in 2026.

There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. 
Finalists will also join the TROMP network, attend concerts and masterclasses, and gain valuable international exposure. The first prize for the TROMP Next Gen: Mallet Competition is 1.000 euros, the second prize is 750 euros, and the third prize is 500 euros.

TROMP offers one wildcard for the Next Gen: Mallet Competition to a percussionist who can demonstrate that they are unable to afford the travel costs to the Netherlands. The wildcard covers travel costs and accommodation with one of our host families in Eindhoven. 

The wildcard will be awarded by random draw among eligible applicants. 
Details on how to apply will be provided in early 2026. 

The wildcard winner will participate in the competition on equal terms with all other candidates. 
To ensure fairness, we will not publicly announce who the wildcard winner is, either before or during the competition.