What does a Judge look for in a competitor?

[Skeptopotamus]

What are all of the techniques that a judge would want to see in a competitor's program?  Rhythm, Musicality, Speed, Virtuosity, Accuracy, pieces from different eras etc...  What all should a program for a competition consist of in terms of those types of things?  What are all of the things that should be apparent in a winner's program?

[viking]

I believe that length has a large part to do with a competitors program.  For example, a short concerto like Liszt 1 shouldnt be played for a concerto competition, and neither should Brahms 2.  Also, I think short relatively bland pieces should be excluded (probably a given).  If the competition is a recital, opus 111 would be a good choice for competition.  Probably an etude or 2 as well.  These are just thoughts...
SAM

[stevie]

be aware that practically every judge has a different taste and will look for different things, so you can never be sure.

also, be aware that most judges and major competitions are corrupt, sometimes no matter how good you, if your teacher isnt a good friend with one of the judges...youre going nowhere.

[lostinidlewonder]

They look very closely as to what is chosen to be played in competition. How well different sounds of the piano where produce by the pianist, questioning whether it was effective or begged for more, or less (if they sense you are "overplaying").

Usually good competitions will judge on Presentation (how the competitor bows, stage presence, what they look like while they play etc), Peformance (how well the actual technical side of the playing was, accuracy of notes/dynamics) and Musicality (players ideas/interpretation, musical sensitivity or talent, method/effect of musical expression). And also a good competition has at least 3 adjudicators.

I really think a lot of adjudication is based on Peformance and Musicality. How well did the player balance that. Are they just talent without disipline, or are they just displine without talent, or have they managed to harness both in their playing.

If choice of what you play is open then you should always choose something which go through as much "piano sounds" as possible. Something which demonstrates the entire voice of the piano will always give you better chances than playing something safe and not as explorative.