NSMTA Piano Competition

The Piano Competition is to challenge musicians to go beyond practice and studio recitals. It is an opportunity to perform, compete, learn and improve while engaging with experienced teachers. It is ideal for older students who are interested in an opportunity to strengthen their resume. All students are encouraged to participate!

Competition Co-Chairs: Lindsey Baer and Larry Baer, competition@nsmta.org

2025 Piano Competition

Competition Date: May 4, 2025

Competition Fee: $35 per student (non-refundable)

Location: Music Conservatory of Illinois, 2809 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201

Registration Dates: TBD

2025 Piano Competition Repertoire

Primary:

  1. Tchaikovsky - “Baba Yaga” (The Witch), Op. 39 No. 20, from “Album for the Young”

  2. Choice piece* (see below) 

Elementary:

  1. Bach - Gigue from Partita No. 1 in B-flat major, BWV 825 (please play both repeats)

  2. Choice piece* (see below)

Junior:

  1. Ravel - Sonatine, 1st movement (please play the repeat)

  2. Choice piece* (see below) 

Senior:

  1. Albeniz - “El Puerto”,  from Iberia, Book 1

  2. Choice piece* (see below) 

*In addition to the required piece, teachers should choose a piece of a contrasting character and stylistic period. The required piece should be played first, in its entirety. The nonrequired piece should be played afterwards, and may or may not be heard in its entirety, as time allows.

For NSMTA Members:

NSMTA members with active Member Portal accounts can register students for the 2024 Piano Competition by following these steps:

  1. Log in to the Member Portal

  2. Under Active Events, select the 2024 Piano Competition.

  3. You will see your list of students from your Student Roster in the Not Registered column. Click Register next to a student’s name and fill out the registration form. If you want to register a student who does not appear on this list, you will need to first add them to your Student Roster.

  4. When ready to check out, go to the Payment Cart to make your payment and complete the registration. Payments are non-refundable.

  5. Your registered students will now appear in the Registered column.

For NSMTA members who do not yet have an active Member Portal account, please see our Member Portal How-Tos page for instructions on how to proceed.

For non-NSMTA Members:

Teachers who are not members of NSMTA may enter students in the Piano Competition. The only way to register is through the NSMTA Member Portal. Teachers may out the form below to request an account for non-members. You will receive an email from admin@nsmta.org with instructions on how to get set up. Afterward, please follow the same steps outlined under For NSMTA Members. Note: There is a $25 non-member fee that will automatically be applied to the payment cart. See Rules and Guidelines below.

If you were previously granted a Member Portal account, you may continue to use that account. No need to request a new one.

Application Procedure

Piano Competition Rules and Guidelines

Competition Categories

  • There are four Competition Divisions: Primary (Grades 1-3), Elementary (Grades 4-6), Junior (Grades 7-9) and Senior (Grades 10-12).

  • Four judges (two for each division) will be selected by the Piano Competition Committee. They will be a) a piano faculty member of a college or conservatory, and/or b) an independent piano teacher who holds at least a Master’s Degree in Music and is experienced in judging.

  • Each entrant will be assigned a participant number prior to the contest. The names of the students and teachers will be unknown to the judges.

Eligibility

  • The applicant’s contest division is determined by his/her grade in school. Teachers will be asked to verify this information at the time of registration. Failure to abide by the competition rules may result in disqualification. If your student was entered at a lower level last year, you may enroll your student in two different levels with appropriate pieces. Two fees will need to be paid.

Registration Rules

  • NSMTA members whose current year’s membership dues were paid by October 31, 2024 are eligible to enter students. Non-members or members who missed the dues deadline must pay an additional $25 fee which is automatically added to the shopping cart upon checkout.

  • A maximum of three students per teacher may be entered in each division.

  • Registration and applicant fees will be accepted via the NSMTA Member Portal during the published registration dates.

  • No late entries will be accepted.

Participant Rules

  • All required pieces must be played from memory. Memorized pieces must be performed in the order listed on the Competition Repertoire list. Incorrect repertoire will disqualify the entrant.

  • Students must bring music for their choice piece. They do not need to bring music for their required piece.

  • First place winners may compete again in the same division.

Awards

  • Prizes awarded are - 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place. These winners will be given the opportunity to be featured in the NSMTA May Winners Recital and be given a trophy. All contestants receive a participation ribbon.

  • Judges may declare "no winner" in any or all divisions if performances are substandard. Their decisions are final.

  • Winners will be announced on the NSMTA Piano Competition Website as well as through the participants instructor.

Questions about the Competition?

For more information, fill out the form to contact the Competition Chairs, Lindsey Baer and Larry Baer.