NSMTA Karen Tobias Piano Competition

The Karen Tobias Piano Competition is designed for ambitious piano students seeking to perform at a high artistic and technical level. Students play for expert adjudicators, receiving valuable feedback and performance experience. Winners in each division are invited to perform in the NSMTA Winners Recital, held the weekend following the competition.


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

2027 NSMTA Karen Tobias Piano Competition

Competition Date: May 2, 2027

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

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

Registration Dates: opens March 21, 2027

Repertoire:
Students must perform the required piece for their division listed below, plus one piece of their choice.

  • PRIMARY: Carnival Ball from Classic Carnival Suite William Gillock

  • ELEMENTARY: Once Upon a Time Op. 71, No. 1 Edvard Grieg

  • JUNIOR: Rumores de La Caleta Op. 71, No. 6 Isaac Albéniz

  • SENIOR: Aufschwung (Soaring) Fantasiestück Op. 12 Robert Schumann

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, 2026 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. 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.