Music Festivals and Competitions
Benefits of joining music festivals
There are many valuable reasons to take part in competitions and festivals. These events offer a clear goal to work toward and create an environment where we can measure our progress and recognize the results of our dedication. Observing high-level performances by peers can be both motivating and inspiring, often pushing us to aim even higher. Fortunately, a wide variety of these opportunities are available throughout the year.
Why Local Competitions Matter
Local competitions serve as valuable practice opportunities to improve skills, rather than merely collecting medals. Some competitions may lack professional vision or integrity, as they are often launched for personal or business benefits. By focusing on well-structured, credible events, we ensure meaningful growth and recognition for both of them.
When selecting a competition, it’s essential to assess its quality and purpose. A good local competition is defined by:
- The opportunity to receive hands-on feedback or a brief lesson from the adjudicator.
- The reputation and credentials of the adjudicator.
- High standards for award distribution, recognizing only a limited number of top performers.
- The competition’s history and credibility.
- Policies ensuring that organizers do not allow their immediate students to compete.
- The value and opportunities associated with the awards (e.g., cash prizes or significant recognition).
- The dedication and extra effort that the competition requires from teachers to participate and support their students.
Not Every “International Competition” Is Created Equal
At the national and international levels, these criteria still apply—with the exception that participants do not receive hands-on feedback or a brief lesson from the adjudicator. We have organized competitions into tiers based on their history, artistic standards, and reputation. Truly reputable competitions are often supported by globally recognized affiliations, such as membership in the World Federation of International Music Competitions or inclusion in the Alink–Argerich Foundation.


It’s important to understand that any organization can create a competition and label it “international,” regardless of its actual credibility or impact. The title alone doesn’t guarantee quality, fairness, or professional value. That’s why careful research into a competition’s background, affiliations, jury, and structure is essential before participating.
INTERNATIONAL (Tier 1)
CHOPIN INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Warsaw, Poland) | ||
Founded: 1927 | Frequency: Every 5 years | Top Prize: €40,000 |
Next Competition: October, 2025 | Deadline: | Ages: |
VAN CLIBURN INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: 1962 | Frequency: Every 3 years | Top Prize: $100,000 USD |
Next Competition: May 21-June 7, 2025 | Deadline: October 16, 2024 | Ages:18-30 |
QUEEN ELISABETH INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Brussels, Belgium) | ||
Founded: 1937 | Frequency: Every 4 years | Top Prize: €25,000 |
Next Competition: May 5-31, 2025 | Deadline: November 27, 2024 | Ages: 18-30 |
TCHAIKOVSKY INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Moscow & St. Petersburg, Russia) | ||
Founded: 1958 | Frequency: Every 4 years | Top Prize: up to $130,000 USD |
Next Competition: 2027 | Deadline: | Ages: 19-32 |
LEEDS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Leeds, West Yorkshire, England) | ||
Founded: 1963 | Frequency: Every 3 years | Top Prize: £30,000 |
Next Competition: September 8 –18 2027 | Deadline: October 31, 2023 | Ages: |
ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Tel Aviv, Israel) | ||
Founded: 1974 | Frequency: Every 3 years | Top Prize: $40,000 USD |
Next Competition: 2026 | Deadline: | Ages: 18-32 |
FERRUCCIO BUSONI INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Bolzano, Italy) | ||
Founded: 1949 | Frequency: Every 2 years | Top Prize: €30,000 |
Next Competition: November 20-30, 2024, August 27-September 7, 2025 | Deadline: May 15, 2024 | Ages: 17-31 |
HAMAMATSU INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Hamamatsu, Japan) | ||
Founded: 1991 | Frequency: Every 3 years | Top Prize: ¥4,000,000 |
Next Competition: November 8-25, 2024 | Deadline: March 31, 2024 | Ages: up to 33 |
SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION | ||
Founded: 1977 | Frequency: | Top Prize: $50,000 AUD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: 18-32 |
INTERNATIONAL (Tiers 1.5-2)
GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION (Geneva, Switzerland) | ||
Founded: 1939 | Frequency: | Top Prize: CHF 20,000 |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
INTERNATIONAL PADEREWSKI PIANO COMPETITION (Bydgoszcz, Poland) | ||
Founded: 1961 | Frequency: | Top Prize: €30,000 |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: 16-32 |
INTERNATIONAL BEETHOVEN PIANO COMPETITION (Vienna, Austria) | ||
Founded: 1961 | Frequency: Every 4 years | Top Prize: €30,000 |
Next Competition: May 16-24, 2025 | Deadline: November 1, 2024 | Ages: up to 30 |
LISZT UTRECHT INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Utrecht, Netherlands) | ||
Founded: 1986 | Frequency: | Top Prize: €25,000 |
Next Competition: | Deadline: September 1, 2024 | Ages: |
INTERNATIONAL JOANN SEBASTIAN BACH COMPETITION (Leipzig, Germany) | ||
Founded: 1950 | Frequency: Every 2 years | Top Prize: €20,000 |
Next Competition: | Deadline: March 13-21, 2025 | Ages: 16-32 |
HONENS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) | ||
Founded: 1992 | Frequency: Every 3 years | Top Prize: $100,000 USD |
Next Competition: October 16-24, 2024 | Deadline: October 30, 2024 | Ages: |
QUARTERFINALS 2 to 4 March 2025 in Berlin 17 to 19 March 2025 in New York | SEMIFINALS & FINALS 16 to 24 October 2025 in Calgary |
SEOUL INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION (Seoul, South Korea) | ||
Founded: 1996 | Frequency: | Top Prize: $50,000 USD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
CHINA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION (Beijing, China) | ||
Founded: 2019 | Frequency: | Top Prize: $150,000 USD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL COMPETITION (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) | ||
Founded: 2002 | Frequency: | Top Prize: $30,000+ CAD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
CLIBURN INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR PIANO COMPETITION & FESTIVAL | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: |
Next Competition: June, 2027 | Deadline: | Ages: 13-17 |
GINA BACHAUER INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS PIANO COMPETITION (Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: 1976 | Frequency: Every 4 years | Top Prize: $50,000 USD |
Next Competition: June 16-29, 2024 | Deadline: | Ages: 19–32 |
GRIEG INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Bergen, Norway) | ||
Founded: 2000 | Frequency: | Top Prize: €30,000 |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: 1996 | Frequency: | Top Prize: $20,000 USD |
Next Competition: March 10-17, 2025 | Deadline: September 30, 2024 | Ages: 18-30 |
INTERNATIONAL (Tiers 3-4)
ARTHUR FRASER INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: 2003 | Frequency: Every year | Top Prize: $5,000 USD |
Next Competition: June 9-15, 2024 | Deadline: March 15, 2024 | Ages: 13-18 |
COOPER COMPETITION AT OBERLIN | ||
Founded: 2010 | Frequency: | Top Prize: $20,000 USD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: 13-18 |
GINA BAUCHER INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR & YOUNG ARTISTS COMPETITION | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: $10,000 USD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: 11-18 |
GEORGE GERSHWIN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION (New York City, U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: $5,000 USD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
NEW ORLEANS INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION (New Orleans, LA, U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: $10,000 USD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Washington D.C., U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: 1950 | Frequency: Every 3 years | Top Prize: $10,000 USD |
Next Competition: May, 2027 | Deadline: February, 2027 | Ages: 18-30 |
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (New York City, New York, U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: 2002 | Frequency: | Top Prize: $20,000 USD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: 16-22 |
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NTD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION | ||
Founded: 2008 | Frequency: | Top Prize: $10,000 USD |
Next Competition: October, 2026 | Deadline: | Ages: 17-35 |
PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION (Palm Springs, California, U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: $10,000 USD |
Next Competition: April 11-21, 2025 | Deadline: | Ages: 13-17 |
ROMA INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Rome, Italy) | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
RUBATO INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Oxford, Alabama, U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (San Francisco, California, U.S.A.I) | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: $3,000 USD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: 4-35 |
SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: 2008 | Frequency: Every 2 years | Top Prize: $3,000 USD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: January–May 2026 | Ages: Any |
SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Singapore) | ||
Founded: 2020 | Frequency: Every 2 years | Top Prize: $30,000 USD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: September 30, 2024 | Ages: 16-32 |
DALLAS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: 2013 | Frequency: Every 2 years | Top Prize: $2,500 USD |
Next Competition: June TBD, 2026 | Deadline: December 15, 2025 | Ages: 18-35 |
OLGA KERN INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: 2016 | Frequency: Every 3 years | Top Prize: $11,000 USD |
Next Competition: October 12 to October 19, 2025 | Deadline: | Ages: 18-32 |
PACIFIC STARS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: 2022 | Frequency: Every Annual | Top Prize: $200 USD |
Next Competition: June, 2026 | Deadline: | Ages: 18-32 |
ONLINE INTERNATIONAL (Tier 5)
SINGAPORE RAFFLES INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL (Singapore) | ||
Founded: 2014 | Frequency: Annual | Top Prize: $2,000 USD |
Next Competition: 2026 | Deadline: | Ages: 25 and under |
CRESCENDO INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION (U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: 2007 | Frequency: Annual | Top Prize: $1,000 USD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: 3-24 |
MANHATTAN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION (U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: |
Next Competition: | Deadline: July 5, 2025 | Ages: |
PACIFIC STARS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: $1,000 USD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: August 1, 2025 | Ages: |
GLORY INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (U.S.A.) | ||
Founded: 2022 | Frequency: 4 Times a year | Top Prize: |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
NATIONAL
CANADIAN MUSIC COMPETITION | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
NATIONAL CHOPIN COMPETITION | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
SINGAPORE NATIONAL PIANO & VIOLIN COMPETITION | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: $5,000 USD |
Next Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
U.S.A-NORTHWEST (LOCAL/STATE)
Class Rank 1
Seattle Young Artist’s Music Festival (Seattle, WA, USA) | ||
Founded: 1970 | Frequency: Yearly | Top Prize: Concerto Playoff |
Competition: March 24-28, 2025 | Deadline: | Ages: gr 5-12 |
Hands-on feedback or lesson opportunity with the adjudicator. | Yes | |
The reputation and credentials of the adjudicator. | High | |
Maintains high standards through limited, carefully controlled award distribution. | Yes | |
Degree of organizer intervention and board-affiliated participation influencing authenticity. | Minimal | |
Requires additional teacher commitment and support. | Yes |
Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside (Bellevue, WA, USA) | ||
Founded: 1986 | Frequency: Yearly | Top Prize: Concerto Playoff |
Competition: April 22-26, 2025 | Deadline: | Ages: |
Hands-on feedback or lesson opportunity with the adjudicator. | Yes | |
The reputation and credentials of the adjudicator. | High | MAX EXAMPLE: In the 2024 Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside, the Piano Solo for Grades 7-8, Class PS.7-8.C had the maximum number of winners, with a total of 7 winners, comprising: 1 First Place 1 Second Place 5 Honorable Mentions |
Maintains high standards through limited, carefully controlled award distribution. | Yes | |
Degree of organizer intervention and board-affiliated participation influencing authenticity. | Minimal | |
Requires additional teacher commitment and support. | Yes |
The Washington State MTNA Student Performance Competition (Ellensburg, WA, USA) | ||
Founded: | Frequency: Yearly | Top Prize: |
Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
Hands-on feedback or lesson opportunity with the adjudicator. | ||
The reputation and credentials of the adjudicator. | MAX EXAMPLE: In the 2024 Washington State MTNA Performance Competitions, the Senior Piano division had the maximum number of winners, with a total of 7 winners, comprising: 1 Winner 1 Alternate 5 Honorable Mentions | |
Maintains high standards through limited, carefully controlled award distribution. | Yes | |
Degree of organizer intervention and board-affiliated participation influencing authenticity. | Minimal | |
Requires additional teacher commitment and support. | Yes |
Class Rank 2
Russian Chamber Music Festival (Mercer Island, WA, USA) | ||
Founded: 2008 | Frequency: Yearly | Top Prize: Winner’s Concert |
Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
Hands-on feedback or lesson opportunity with the adjudicator. | No | |
The reputation and credentials of the adjudicator. | Moderate | |
Maintains high standards through limited, carefully controlled award distribution. | No | MAX EXAMPLE: In the 2024 Russian Chamber Music Foundation competition, the Piano Division for age 8 had a total of 19 winners, comprising: 3 Gold Medalists 4 Silver Medalists 2 Bronze Medalists 10 Honorable Mentions |
Degree of organizer intervention and board-affiliated participation influencing authenticity. | Excessive | |
Requires additional teacher commitment and support. | No |
Chopin Northwest Competition (Bellevue, WA, USA) | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: |
Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
Hands-on feedback or lesson opportunity with the adjudicator. | No | |
The reputation and credentials of the adjudicator. | Moderate | |
Maintains high standards through limited, carefully controlled award distribution. | No | MAX EXAMPLE: In the 2025 Chopin Northwest Festival, the 10-Year-Old Division had a total of 16 winners, comprising: Gold Medals: 3 recipients Silver Medals: 5 recipients Bronze Medals: 6 recipients Grand Prix Gold Winners: 2 recipients |
Degree of organizer intervention and board-affiliated participation influencing authenticity. | Excessive | |
Requires additional teacher commitment and support. | No |
Seattle NW Festivals (Bellevue, WA, USA) | ||
Founded: | Frequency: | Top Prize: |
Competition: | Deadline: | Ages: |
Hands-on feedback or lesson opportunity with the adjudicator. | No | |
The reputation and credentials of the adjudicator. | Moderate | |
Maintains high standards through limited, carefully controlled award distribution. | No | MAX EXAMPLE: In the 2024 Bach Festival International, the AGE 9 AND UNDER LITTLE PRELUDES class had the maximum number of winners, with a total of 30 winners, comprising: 6 Gold Medalists 9 Silver Medalists 9 Bronze Medalists 6 Honorable Mentions |
Degree of organizer intervention and board-affiliated participation influencing authenticity. | Moderate | |
Requires additional teacher commitment and support. | No |
*Information on this page is subject to change without notice.
- Chopin International Piano Competition
- Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
- Queen Elisabeth International Piano Competition
- Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition
- Leeds International Piano Competition
- Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Competition
- Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition
- Hamamatsu International Piano Competition
- Sydney International Piano Competition
- Geneva International Music Competition
- International Paderewski Piano Competition
- International Beethoven Piano Competition
- Liszt Utrecht International Piano Competition
- International Johann Sebastian Bach Competition
- Honens International Piano Competition
- Seoul International Music Competition
- China International Music Competition
- Montreal International Musical Competition
- Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition & Festival
- Gina Bachauer International Artists Piano Competition
- Grieg International Piano Competition
- Hilton Head International Piano Competition
- Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition
- Cooper Competition at Oberlin
- Gina Bachauer International Junior & Young Artists Competition
- George Gershwin International Music Competition
- New Orleans International Music Competition
- Washington International Piano Competition
- New York International Piano Competition
- NTD International Piano Competition
- Palm Springs International Music Competition
- Roma International Piano Competition
- Rubato International Piano Competition
- San Francisco International Piano Competition
- Seattle International Piano Competition
- Singapore International Piano Competition
- Dallas International Piano Competition
- Olga Kern International Piano Competition
- Pacific Stars International Piano Competition
- Singapore Raffles International Music Festival
- Crescendo International Music Competition
- Manhattan International Music Competition
- Pacific Stars International Piano Competition (online category)
- Glory International Piano Competition
- Canadian Music Competition
- National Chopin Competition
- Singapore National Piano & Violin Competition
- Seattle Young Artist’s Music Festival
- Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside
- Washington State MTNA Student Performance Competition
- Russian Chamber Music Festival
- Chopin Northwest Competition
- Seattle NW Festivals
- Willard Schultz Scholarship Competition
- MTNA Competitions
- CWU PianoFest
- The Simon-Fiset Competitions
- Bushell Concerto Competition
- Frances Walton Competition
- WIAA/WMEA State Solo and Ensemble Contest