Are applications online?
Yes. As of January 1, 2026, all applications are fully online.
Who can participate?
We encourage all piano students throughout New England to apply.
What divisions are offered?
There are four divisions:
- Age Achievement Competition
- Length of Study Competition
- Piano Duet Competition
- Evaluation Division
Do I need to bring sheet music?
Yes. Every contestant MUST bring clean copies of their music.
- Measure numbers must be marked at the beginning of each line.
- NO music will be provided at the event.
- Failure to bring music will result in automatic disqualification.
Do pieces need to be memorized?
For most divisions, yes.
Memorization REQUIRED for:
- Age Achievement
- Length of Study
- Duet Competition
Memorization NOT required for:
- Evaluation Division
Are repeats allowed?
No. Repeats are not permitted.
What happens if I go over the time limit?
Contestants who exceed the time limit will be stopped and asked to stop playing.
Can I enter both Age Achievement and Length of Study?
No. A contestant may NOT enter both divisions on the same instrument.
Can I enter both a competition division and the Evaluation Division?
Yes. Students may participate in both.
Can simplified arrangements be used?
No. Simplified arrangements are not accepted in:
- Length of Study Division
- Duet Competition
What is the Evaluation Division?
This division is for students who would like feedback without competing.
Students perform:
- One piece of their choice
- Receive written comments and an award
Do Evaluation students receive awards?
Yes. Evaluation participants receive certificates and trophies.
Can contestants or parents speak to the judges?
No.
Judges must have complete privacy at all times. Speaking to judges may result in immediate disqualification.
Are the judges’ decisions final?
Yes. All judges’ decisions are final.
Will instructors receive judges’ comments?
Yes.
Instructors will receive adjudication sheets with judges’ comments by mail within approximately 30 days after the competition.
Can I get the judges’ comments instead of the instructor?
As policy of the Young Artist Piano Competition, audition forms, judges’ comment sheets, and any other submitted information will be sent to the instructor within two weeks of the end of the competition. Information will NOT be sent to anyone apart from the instructor after the confirmation email has been sent.
Does every participant receive something?
Does every participant receive something?
Yes.
All participants receive:
- A Certificate of Participation
Competition winners may also receive:
- 1st Place Trophy
- 2nd Place Trophy
- 3rd Place Trophy
- Honorable Mention (at judges’ discretion)
When are awards presented?
Awards are presented on-site immediately after each division ends.
FEES
What are the entry fees?
| Division | Fee |
|---|---|
| Age Achievement | $60 |
| Duet Division | $60 per team |
| Length of Study | $50 |
| Evaluation | $30 |
Are refunds available?
No.
Once confirmation emails have been sent, entry fees cannot be refunded because administrative processing has already been finalized.
What if I need handicap accommodations?
Special accommodations are available.
Please contact Brianna at:
413-747-0339
What is the dress code?
Professional daytime attire is expected. Full concert attire is not required.
What behavior is not allowed?
The following will NOT be tolerated:
- Harassment of any kind
- Recruiting students or parents
- Disrespectful behavior toward judges, students, teachers, or families
Everyone is expected to be courteous, professional, and respectful.
Is the competition responsible for lost items or injuries?
No.
The competition site is not responsible for:
- Bodily injury
- Lost property
- Damaged property
