Piano Competition

*CLICK HERE FOR 2023 COMPETITION RESULTS*

Registration:

Due Date: TBA

• Performers must complete the application and submit the registration fee in order to perform.
  • Click the “Register” button above for the application.
• Performers must be Arizona residents.
• Performers must be in grades seven through twelve.
• Early submission is advised. It is possible that all available slots for performers will be filled before the end of the application submission period. If all slots are full before the end of the application submission period, please email competition@azmusicfest.org.
• No application refunds will be given in the event of performer withdrawal.

Date & Time:

• The Competition will be held on TBA
  • The times in the table below are the estimated window for each division.
    • Divisions may begin earlier or later depending on the number of entrants
  • Exact performance timeslots will be emailed out by TBA.
  • Performers may only perform during their division’s window

Divisions:

Music:

• Music chosen for the competition must be standard literature chosen from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern, or Contemporary periods. Simplified versions and transcriptions are not accepted.
  • Multiple movements from the work may be entered as one selection, so long as the total program does not exceed the allotted time for the respective division (see above)
• Music must be memorized.
• Performers must provide a printed (published) version and two photocopies of the piece(s) they will perform.
  • Scores must have measures numbered and cuts marked (if any) so the judges can use them as a reference during the performance.
  • Any markings that would indentify the performer’s or their teacher’s name should be erased or covered with whiteout.
  • All music will be checked at the Welcome Table for measure numbers
  • All music will be returned directly after the performance.

Location:

1. The competition will be held at Arizona Musicfest: 7950 E Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255
2. The piano for the competition is a 2001 Steinway Model B Grand Piano
3. Performers will receive an arrival time that is roughly 5-10 minutes before their scheduled warm-up time. Please plan to arrive no later than your assigned arrival time.

Prize:

1. Up to three performers from each division may be awarded monetary prizes in the amounts detailed below.
2. Awarded performers may be invited to perform in the Young Musicians Concert Series in the MIM Music Theater.
3. Awarded performers may receive performance opportunities as they are available and announced.

Adjudication:

• Judges will stop performers if their performance exceeds the competition time limits. There is no penalty if a performer needs to be stopped.
• Judges may elect to award Honorable Mentions to performers demonstrating high levels of artistry in their performances.
• Prizes are awarded at the end of each division to performers who display the highest level of artistic excellence.
• Judges have the option to withhold prizes.
• All teachers will receive the judges’ comments within a week of the competition date. 

Questions? Email competition@azmusicfest.org