Applications will open via Muvac on January 19, 2026  and will closed on March 1, 2026. In June 2026 we will announce the selected candidates.

TROMP uses Muvac, a professional online platform for musician applications and competition management. Through Muvac, you’ll find all details about the repertoire, program requirements, and video submissions.

You can create your Muvac account starting January 19, 2026.
Make sure you have prepared your videos, repertoire selections, and program details, so you can submit everything smoothly within the timeframe between January 19 and March 1, 2026.

Yes. The mandatory registration fee is 25 euros, for each participant. Candidates who will be selected to present themselves in Round 1 and possibly in the Final 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, a letter of recommendation is not required.

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 apply for both. If you decide to apply for both competitions, both application fees are applicable. However, you may participate in the live rounds of only one competition. If you are selected for both the TROMP International Percussion Competition and TROMP Next Gen: Mallet Competition, you will be asked to choose which competition you wish to compete in.

Both options are acceptable.

Both options are allowed:

• You may submit one single video containing all three pieces, recorded in one take,
  or

• You may submit three separate video files, each containing one piece.

Both formats are accepted, as long as each piece is recorded in one continuous take (no edits within a piece) and the recordings meet the required camera quality and visibility standards.

No. You must submit one video per piece, even if the work consists of multiple movements.

For the preliminary round, candidates must submit their video(s) as online links via the application form in MUVAC.

You may submit either one single video containing all required repertoire or up to three separate videos (maximum). At least one video is mandatory and must include all required repertoire.

Videos must be hosted on YouTube (preferred) or Vimeo. Videos may be set to “Unlisted”, but must not be set to “Private”. Video links submitted via other platforms (such as Dropbox, WeTransfer, Google Drive or Chinese video platforms) will not be accepted.

Each video must be recorded in one single take, using one camera only. The use of multiple cameras or edited footage is not allowed. Sound and image quality must be clear, and the camera angle must be from the front, allowing the jury to clearly see the playing technique.

The jury does not judge the video recording quality, but it is essential that the audio is captured clearly. While professional recording equipment is not required, we strongly recommend using an external microphone or portable recorder (for example a Zoom H5 or similar), which already provides excellent sound quality. Smartphone video is acceptable, but built-in smartphone microphones are often insufficient for percussion instruments.

All submitted videos must have been recorded on or after 19 January 2025.
In the application form, candidates are required to indicate the recording date (month and year) of their video(s).

Video links must be submitted directly in the MUVAC application form. Incorrect, inaccessible or private video links will not be reviewed, and no replacement links will be requested after the application deadline. 

A sketch or first draft of your composition is sufficient for the application.

You may continue working on your piece until the end of June. The deadline to upload your final composition is 1 July 2026.

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.

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

Yes. All live rounds — including Round 1 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.

If a participant cannot find a suitable piece of 3–6 minutes, they may submit a longer piece. The jury will then judge only the first 6 minutes of the recording.
Important: The selected piece must fit the style and artistic guidelines as described on the website.

Your own arrangement is perfectly fine — we actively encourage creativity. The only requirement is that you provide a score for your arrangement.

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

Yes, a solo piece with an audio track is allowed.

Yes. In Round 1, 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!

Yes, xylophone is allowed.

For the 2026 edition, piano accompaniment is not permitted in the live rounds. However, it is allowed for the Preliminary Round video submissions.

No live electronics or instrument preparations are allowed in Round 1. 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 1, so everything must run smoothly and independently.

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 plus one wildcard 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 6 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.

Only small accessories that you can bring yourself are permitted. TROMP will not provide additional setups such as stick tables or drums. The primary focus must remain on the mallet instruments.

Yes, repeating repertoire from the video round is allowed.

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

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 accessories.

Yes, on Tuesday (the day before Round 1 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.

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.