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 Residency, the competition offers five divisions with multiple age groups, providing opportunities for competitive, non-competitive, collaborative, teacher, and concerto performances.​
Applications Open
February 1, 2026
Application Deadline
June 1, 2026
Final Round
July 23–28, 2026 (TBC)
Prize Winners Concert
July 28, 2026 (TBC)
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 22 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 or Certificates
-
$500 · $250 · $150 · Certificates
Division E
Piano Concerto
Performance with CIPAF Orchestra + 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 Residency.
Performance Opportunities
First Prize winners may receive invitations for future CIPAF Concert Series performances or engagements in the United States, China, and Korea, with local housing and transportation provided by the host. Airfare not included.
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
All applications and fees due by June 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: $150 for applications submitted after the June 1 deadline.​