The 2020 Steinway Virtual Piano Competition, is here and it is a ONCE in a lifetime opportunity. Although our struggle with COVID-19 may continue we are so glad to see amazing companies like Steinway & Sons who remain committed to the pursuit of superior artistic expression through piano performance.

Whether you previously participated or are brand new to piano competition altogether this unique opportunity is a the perfect avenue! Open to pianists ages 17 and under who are residents in the United States and Canada, we hope everyone will see this as an extension of our unwavering commitment to excellence in piano education and performance even during these unprecedented times.

STEINWAY VIRTUAL PIANO COMPETITION IMPORTANT DATES

  • October 1, 2020 – Registration opens. (A NON-REFUNDABLE $35 USD registration fee will be required.)
  • November 1 – Registration closes.
  • November 15 – Winners announced.

STEINWAY VIRTUAL PIANO COMPETITION PRIZES

All participants will receive a certificate of participation and constructive feedback from world-renowned Steinway Artists. Additionally, First, Second, and Third place winners will receive a commemorative medal, national recognition on steinway.com, and the opportunity to be featured on Steinway’s global social media (videos selected at the discretion of the Steinway Marketing Team).

First Place Prizes:

  • Division I – $400
  • Division II – $600
  • Division III – $800
  • Division IV – $1000

STEINWAY VIRTUAL PIANO COMPETITION PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Students are required to perform two contrasting pieces for solo piano from different eras of Western classical music including Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Twentieth Century.
  • Students will be required to upload a video(s) performing both audition pieces on a piano (electric/digital or acoustic) through their application in Acceptd. The video must be filmed with both the pianist’s face and hands in the frame at all times. Video recordings may be paused between each repertoire selection or applicants may submit two separate videos for each piece. Each work on the video must be a continuous and unedited performance. Videos must not be filmed more than six months prior to submission. Any recording over the allotted time will not be penalized, but will not be judged.
  • If you are interested in video recording your performance on the Steinway Model D 9’ Concert Grand at Turner’s Keyboards, please contact Eric Campbell at the store to schedule a time.  We are happy to provide this opportunity to perform on the Steinway at no charge, but each student is required to handle the technical side of recording (equipment, setup, recording, submitting the video when complete, etc.).  Please call to schedule an appointment date/time to record your audition.
  • Each will be allotted the following amount of time for the performance of both pieces (age requirements apply to applicant’s age as of October 1, 2020):
    • Division I: Ages 9 and under max. 8 minutes
    • Division II: Ages 10-12 max. 10 minutes
    • Division III: Ages 13-15 max. 12 minutes
    • Division IV: Ages 16-17 max. 14 minutes
  • Original compositions and improvisations are not permitted. Repeats may be played at the discretion of the performer, but are not required. Students may perform with or without sheet music. Performing from memory is encouraged, but not required.
  • Contestants should wear their best performance attire.
  • All applicants should upload copies of their sheet music with minimal markings for the judges in the application.
Applications Accepted October 1st-November 1st
  • Steinway & Sons and Steinway showrooms reserve the rights to use the video recordings submitted for marketing purposes. No extra fee will be paid to the contestants.
  • Each winner is solely responsible for reporting and paying any and all applicable taxes related to the prize(s) and paying any expenses associated with any prizes, which are not specifically provided for in the official rules. Each winner must provide the Company with valid identification and a valid taxpayer identification number or social security number before any prize will be awarded.
  • Steinway & Sons reserves the right to the interpretation of the Terms and Conditions of the Regulations.

STEINWAY VIRTUAL PIANO COMPETITION REGULATIONS

  • A panel of judges, 3 per division, will be announced in the application for the competition.
  • Evaluations for each round of the competition made by the jury committees are final.
  • Close relatives or students who study or have studied with any of the announced judges or Steinway/Steinway-authorized showroom employees are not eligible to compete. A refund will be issued to these students.
  • Contestants will be graded on the following criteria, using a rating scale of 1-5:
    • Musicality and artistry
    • Technical mastery
    • Adherence to the score
    • Stage presence
FULL COMPETITION RULES

MEET THE JUDGES

Steinway Virtual Piano Competition Judges
READ ABOUT OUR JUDGES