The CIPAF International Competition brings together young pianists and emerging artists from around the world to perform before a distinguished jury.
Held during the final days of the 2026 Festival, the competition offers five divisions with multiple age groups, providing opportunities for competitive, non-competitive, collaborative, teacher, and concerto performances.​
​
Award Ceremony and Prize Winners' Concert Free and Open to the public on July 29, 2026.
Applications Open
February 1, 2026
Application Deadline
May 1, 2026
Live Round
July 25, 2026 (Concerto)
July 28, 2026 (Piano Solo)
Award Ceremony &
Prize Winners' Concert
July 29, 2026
Competition Divisions
Division A
Competitive
-
Group 1: 8 and under
-
Group 2: 9–11
-
Group 3: 12–14
-
Group 4: 15–17
-
Group 5: 18–30​
Age as of​ July 30, 2026
Division B
Non-Competitive
-
Group 1: 8 and under
-
Group 2: 9–11
-
Group 3: 12–14
-
Group 4: 15–17
-
Group 5: 18–30​
Age as of​ July 30, 2026
Division C
Piano Duo & Collaborative Piano
-
Group 1: 11 and under
-
Group 2: 12–17
-
Group 3: 18–30​
Older pianist's age as of​ July 30, 2026
Division D
Teacher
Age 25 and above as of July 30, 2026
Division E
Piano Concerto
-
Group 1: 11 and under
-
Group 2: 12–17
-
Group 3: 18–30​
Age as of​ July 30, 2026
Repertoire Requirements
Preliminary Round submitted with Application
Performance times applicable to preliminary and final rounds.
Single movements of larger works and collections are permitted.
Division A
Competitive
-
Group 1–2: two contrasting solo works · 6 minutes
-
Group 3–5: two contrasting solo works · 12 minutes
Division B
Non-Competitive
-
Group 1–2: any solo works · 4 minutes
-
Group 3–5: two contrasting solo works · 8 minutes
Division C
Piano Duo & Collaborative Piano
-
Group 1–2: any duo or collaborative piece · 4 minutes
-
Group 3: any duo or collaborative piece · 8 minutes
Division D
Teacher
-
Any solo piano work · 8 minutes
Division E
Piano Concerto
Perform one first movement from the following concertos · 15 minutes
-
Bach: D Minor, BWV 1052
-
Haydn: D Major, Hob. XVIII:11
-
Mozart: K. 414, 459, 466, 467, 488
-
Beethoven: Concertos Nos. 1–5
Competition Rules
-
All repertoire must be performed from memory, except Duo/Collaborative.
-
Audition and live competition repertoire may be the same or different.
-
Single movements are allowed.
-
Performances exceeding time limits may be stopped without penalty.
-
Contestants may choose the first piece performed.
-
The jury may stop a piece and move forward without affecting evaluation.
-
Competitors may enter multiple divisions; each requires its own application fee.
​​The judges and CIPAF Director reserve the right to all final decisions regarding competition results and awarding of prizes.
Prizes & Awards
Preliminary Round submitted with Application
Performance times applicable to preliminary and final rounds.
Single movements of larger works and collections are permitted.
Division A
Competitive
Cash Awards + Certificates
-
Group 1: $100 · $50 · $25
-
Group 2: $200 · $100 · $50
-
Group 3: $300 · $150 · $100
-
Group 4: $500 · $250 · $150
-
Group 5: $1000 · $500 · $250
Division B
Non-Competitive
Certificates Only. No Cash Awards.
Division C
Piano Duo & Collaborative Piano
Divided Among Ensemble Members
-
Groups 1–3: $500 · $250 · $150 · Certificates
Division D
Teacher
Cash Awards + Certificates
-
$500 · $250 · $150
Division E
Piano Concerto
Performance with CIPAF Orchestra during the 2026 Festival + Certificates.
No Cash Awards.
Additional Opportunities
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to exceptional competitors to support their continued artistic development through participation in the CIPAF Festival Program.
Performance Opportunities
First Prize winners may receive invitations for future CIPAF performances or professional engagements. The 2026 Competition includes a Performance Prize at Carnegie Hall in Fall 2026 for First Prize Winner of Division A - Group 5. Housing and transportation not provided.
The Competition Venue
The CIPAF International Competition is presented in the University of Northern Colorado’s Campus Commons Performance Hall, a state-of-the-art concert venue designed for exceptional acoustics and professional-level performance. The hall offers an inspiring setting for competitors and audiences alike. The University of Northern Colorado is proudly recognized as an all-Steinway institution.
Apply for the 2026 Competition
Applications are now being accepted on a space-available basis.
All applications and fees due by May 1, 2026
Application Fee / $120 USD
Non-refundable. For applicants who wish to solely enter the CIPAF International Competition.
Each solo and concerto competition requires a separate application and the corresponding application fee.
Late Application Fee: $200 for applications submitted after the May 1 deadline.​