NSMTA Piano Competition

The Piano Competition is designed for ambitious piano students seeking to perform at a high artistic and technical level. By performing for expert adjudicators, students push their skills further, gain confidence, and receive meaningful feedback to guide their development. This event is especially ideal for students looking to strengthen their performance experience and musical résumé.

Winners in each division are invited to perform in the NSMTA Winners Recital, held the weekend following the competition. All motivated students are encouraged to participate!

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

2026 Karen Tobias Piano Competition Winners Announced

WINNERS: CLICK HERE FOR RECITAL INFORMATION

2026 NSMTA Karen Tobias Piano Competition

Competition Date: May 3, 2026

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

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

Registration Dates: Sunday, March 8 through Sunday, April 19 (at 11:59p)

2026 Piano Competition Repertoire

Each participant performs one required piece plus one contrasting piece of their choice.

Primary Division

Robert Starer – Crimson from Sketches in Color

Elementary Division

Chopin – Polonaise in g minor, Op. Posth.

Junior Division

Chopin – Polonaise in c♯ minor, Op. 26, No. 1

Senior Division

Mozart – Sonata in D Major, K. 576
III. Allegretto (3rd movement)

Competition Format

*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.

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.

Piano Competition Letter

Questions about the Competition?

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