Piano Competitions 2024: Expert Guide & Key Dates

Piano competitions are pivotal in the classical music world, offering platforms for emerging talents to showcase their skills and launch their careers. These events celebrate musical excellence, bringing together top pianists from around the globe to compete and inspire. As we enter 2024, the piano competition scene is vibrant, with numerous prestigious events lined up. This guide provides an overview of the key piano competitions in 2024, highlighting their significance, schedules, and unique features to keep both participants and enthusiasts informed and engaged.

The piano duo Melvin Stecher and Norman Horowitz have spent decades performing two-piano music worldwide, promoting artistic collaboration in a traditionally soloist-dominated field. After nearly fifty years of remarkable performances, they are further supporting two-piano music through the MTNA–Stecher and Horowitz Two Piano Competition.

• September 3, 2024: Online applications open
• January 6, 2025: Application submission deadline
• January 22, 2025: Notification of selection as finalists
• March 18, 2025:  Competition dates

Open to pianists aged 18–29 during the competition period (September 3, 2024 – March 18, 2025).

MTNA Two Piano Competition

Since 1989, Cedille Records has been instrumental in building the careers of Chicago's top classical performers and composers. The Emerging Artist Competition now focuses on nurturing the next generation of talent.

• February 15, 2024: Applications open
• September 30, 2024: Application submission deadline
• May 17–18, 2025:  Competition dates

Open to individual musicians (instrumental and vocal) and ensembles of up to six people residing in or originally from the Chicago metro area.

Cedille Records Emerging Artist Competition

The Hilton Head International Piano Competition aims to promote classical piano excellence by showcasing young pianists at the brink of their careers, judged by internationally acclaimed experts and offering additional performance opportunities.

• September 30, 2024: Application submission deadline
• March 10-17, 2025: Competition dates

Pianists aged 18–30.

Hilton Head Piano Competition

As one of the premier piano competitions, the National Chopin Piano Competition of the United States is a key stepping stone for aspiring pianists. For 50 years, the Chopin Foundation has supported American pianists with prizes, scholarships, and performance opportunities, impacting thousands of young artists.

• October 1, 2024: Application submission deadline
• January 4 - 12, 2025: Competition dates

Open to pianists born between 1995 and 2009, who are U.S. citizens (native-born or naturalized). Previous first prize winners are ineligible.

Chopin Foundation Competition

Held annually at the Hurley School of Music at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, the Wideman Piano Competition aims to showcase and nurture exceptional pianists from around the globe, providing a platform for talented musicians to demonstrate their skills and advance their careers.

• October 15, 2024: Application submission deadline
• December 6-8, 2024: Competition dates

Contestants must be 18–29 years old by December 6, 2024, and must be residents of or studying in North America.

Wideman Piano Competition

The piano competitions of 2024 offer exceptional opportunities for emerging talents to shine and advance their careers. We encourage pianists to participate and embrace these vibrant opportunities.