ABOUT THE COMPETITION

The Young Pianist Competition of New Jersey proudly announces its Thirty Second Season.

Students from 4 years of age to 18 years of age are eligible to participate in any Division of the Young Pianist Competition of New Jersey. 

The Competition has several divisions that are held in May & June

Solo Division

Young Artist Division

Cyclical Work Division

Concerto Divisions:  One Movement, Entire Concerto & "Le Petit Orchestre"

Piano Ensemble Divisions:  One Piano & Two Pianos

Chamber Music Division

The Competition also offers former and new competitors the opportunity to participate in Workshop Recitals, which will be held in the Spring at Raritan Valley Community College.

Please refer to our policies and guidelines and to the requirements and procedures for each Division for further information.

The Competition Committee hopes that the Competition will continue to be a cultural stimulus for the community, and will provide a rewarding musical experience for all who participate and attend.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

In order to participate in any of our events, either a contestant or a teacher must be a member of the Young Pianist Competition of New Jersey.  Please check our Membership Page for the information on how to become a member.  

Contestants can enter several divisions of the Young Pianist Competition of New Jersey, however each division must have different repertoire.  Please check for repertoire requirements on the individual division pages (links provided above).  If there are any questions regarding the repertoire, please contact the Chairperson of each division either by telephone or email.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES & FEES:

Each division page has a downloadable application form and adjudication forms for both rounds.

Preliminary Round:  Contestants or their teachers must have an active membership, and submit the application form with the appropriate fee, an electronic copy of the Preliminary Round Adjudication form in Word Format, and a copy of the working score in PDF format.  They must also submit a YouTube video of their pieces according to our requirements which could be found on the individual division pages (links provided above). If paying my check, student's name and division must be written on the memo section.  A written performance evaluation will be sent promptly.

Final Round: If auditioning live, contestants must bring with them the appropriate number of filled out adjudication forms which are provided on the individual division pages.  They must also pre-pay the final round either electronically, or bring a check with them to the audition.  It is also mandatory to pre-pay the recital fee.  The fee information could be found on the individual division pages. If paying by check, student's name and division must be written on the memo section.  If the student doesn't pass the final round, payment will be returned immediately.

Electronic Payments: via PayPal to ypcnjoffice@gmail.com or Venmo to @Lana-Ivanov-2Make sure it is listed as family and friends and NOT a business. Please list Student Name, Division, etc. in the transaction.

CONTACTING THE COMPETITION OFFICE:

Only teachers or active student members can contact the Competition Office in case of any legitimate scheduling conflicts (i.e.: recitals or exams ONLY).  This should be done in writing via E-mail (ypcnjoffice@gmail.com). Telephone calls in this matter will not be answered.

If there are questions regarding repertoire, code numbers, fees, etc. please contact Division Chairpersons directly via Email. 

AWARDS:

Competition winners will perform at a Winner's Recital, which will include an Awards Ceremony.  All winners will receive certificates.  Silver and Bronze Prize winners in each Division will receive special awards and Gold Prize winners will receive cash awards. In addition, the judges can award Stylistic Awards.

 

RECITAL REPERTOIRE: 

In the selection of the composition for the Winners’ Recital (held at Kaufman Center for the Performing Arts, Merkin Hall) it is the responsibility of the Artistic Director and the Board of Directors to artistically balance the entire program taking into consideration numerous factors including scoring, timing, stylistic contrast, etc.

The recital piece will be indicated on the student s scorecard.  This assignment is not negotiable 

DRESS CODE:

In our efforts to promote and present wonderful live performances of masterpieces of the piano literature, we encourage a respectful and conservative recital dress code. Festival Recitals and Workshop Recitals are clearly special public performances. The rounds of competition auditions include stage presence in the judging categories. Attire that is too casual, trendy or flashy for traditional recital performance may be to your disadvantage as the judges score your overall presentation.