Florence Price International Piano Competition

Eligibility

  • Pianists of all nationalities aged 15 – 35 are eligible to apply.
  • Pianists under the age of 18 will be participating in the Rising Artist Division. Pianists who are above the age of 18 will be participating in the Young Artist Division.
  • Professional and pre-professional, formally trained pianists, including students and those with advanced degrees in music are encouraged to apply.
  • Previous prize-winners of the Florence Price International Piano Competition are not eligible to participate.
  • International participants are responsible for obtaining a visa to enter the United States and participate in the competition.

Repertoire

  • Contestants who will be participating in Young Artist Category (Age 18 – 35) shall perform a 30-minute solo recital program of their choosing, the recital shall consist of both playing and talking. Solo recital repertoire may consist of a single, multi-movement work (such as a piano sonata), or a collection of short pieces. Solo repertoire may include works by more than one composer. Contestants are encouraged to design their recital program so that it displays the In choosing music, please bear in mind that our competition is committed to providing a platform for musicians to express their creative voices and unique identities. We strongly encourage versatile programming. Talking about the program is required to be considered for prizes. 
  • Contestants who will be participating in Rising Artist Category (Age 14 – 17) shall perform a 20-minute solo recital program of their choosing, the recital shall consist of both playing and talking. Solo recital repertoire may consist of a single, multi-movement work (such as a piano sonata), or a collection of short pieces. Solo repertoire may include works by more than one composer. Contestants are encouraged to design their recital program so that it displays the In choosing music, please bear in mind that our competition is committed to providing a platform for musicians to express their creative voices and unique identities. We strongly encourage versatile programming. Talking about the program is required to be considered for prizes. 

Timeline

  • Application Opens: October 1, 2025 at 12:00 a.m. (central)
  • Application Deadline: December 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (central)
  • Notification Date: January 15, 2026
  • Candidates arrive in Fayetteville: April 3, 2026
  • Check-in / Rehearsal Day: April 3, 2026 
  • Final Round: April 4 and 5, 2026

Preliminary Audition Round

Pianists wishing to participate must submit an online application and recorded video audition. A selection committee will choose a maximum of 10 candidates who will be invited to Fayetteville, Arkansas to participate in the Final Round.

Finals

Ten candidates advancing from the Preliminary Round  will be invited to perform their chosen program. The event will take place in Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall at the University of Arkansas. 

General

  • All repertoire must be performed from memory.
  • Repeats are left to the discretion of the candidates, but must be taken into account when working out the timing of solo recital programs.
  • Candidates are strongly encouraged to include in their program works that they themselves have composed or arranged.
  • The keyboard and hands should be visible throughout all audition videos.
  • Competition results submitted by the jury are final, and cannot be contested.
  • All competition activities and performances may be recorded, and participants of the competition agree to allow the unrestricted use of all video, audio, photographic and new media recordings for promotional purposes.
  • Although unlikely to occur, if unexpected circumstances arise in the execution of the competition rules and regulations, a resolution shall be decided by the competition director in consultation with the jury.

Apply

Deadline: December 15, 2025 11:59 p.m. (central)

To apply, submit the following here before the deadline through the apply page:

  • Submit an unedited video recording of 10-15 minutes in duration, of your performance of solo recital repertoire. This can be anything you choose which best demonstrates the breadth of your artistic ability. You will not be required to perform this repertoire during your solo recital in the final round, but you are welcome to if you wish. This audition may be a single work, or multiple works, and may include works by different composers. Multiple short recordings may be combined into one video or uploaded separately..
  • Applicant’s contact information (name, phone number, current school, address)
  • JPG or PNG of your full color professional headshot, suitable for publicity.
  • Your professional bio, up to 250 words, suitable for publicity.
  • A PDF of your résumé or curriculum vitae.
  • Payment of the application fee in the amount of $100.

Check-in & Orientation

  • Invited contestants must check-in at the location of the competition at 5:00 p.m. on April 3, 2026 at which time contestants will participate in a drawing of lots to determine performance order.
  • Immediately following check-in and the drawing of lots, contestants will receive an itinerary of their reserved rehearsal locations and times, and the final round performance schedule.

Awards

  • First Prize: $1,000
  • Second Prize: $700
  • Third Prize: $500
  • Creative Voice Prize: $500