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Steinway Piano Gallery of Detroit is proud to announce the 2025 Steinway Jr. Artist Competition for pianists ages 18 and under. This prestigious competition offers young pianists the opportunity to compete for up to $750 in prize money and official recognition from an iconic world-class piano brand. Only contestants will be permitted in the judging room, but we invite the public to join us for the Steinway Jr. Artist Winners Concert on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
Competition Requirements:
Each participant is required to perform two pieces for solo piano from contrasting eras: one piece from the Baroque or Classical era and one piece from the Romantic or Modern era.
Pieces must be performed memorized.
Improvisations are not permitted, and repeats must be omitted.
All applicants should bring original copies of music with measure numbers marked. (If music has been purchased online, please have the receipt section highlighted).
The following amount of time will be allotted for each audition:
Division 1 (ages 9 and under): maximum 10 minutes
Division 2 (ages 10-13): maximum 15 minutes
Division 3 (ages 14-18): maximum 20 minutes
Judges reserve the right to cut off performances at their discretion, at no penalty to the performer.
Students who have participated and won first place in the last competition are not eligible to compete in the same division.
Students studying with the any of the judges are not eligible to compete in the same division as the judge.
Teachers will be notified of the winners via email on Monday, April 7, 2025 by 4:00 PM.
The Steinway Jr. Artist Winners Concert is Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Steinway Piano Gallery. First-place Division 1 winners are required to play 15 minutes of music. First-place Division 2 must play for 20 minutes, and first-place Division 3 must play for 30 minutes. Prizes will be awarded at the concert. Second and third place winners must attend the concert to receive their certificates.
First-place winners are required to email a biography about themselves (100 words or less) and a high-quality headshot to hfrantz@steinwaydetroit.com by April 10, 2025. Bios should include the student’s name, musical background, school, personal interests, etc. Photos must be in a JPEG or PNG format.
Competition Day
The following schedule will be in place for the competition on April 5, 2025. *Times subject to change.
Division 1 (ages 9 and under): Morning
Division 2 (ages 10-13): Afternoon
Division 3 (ages 14-18): Late Afternoon / Evening
Upon beginning the audition, applicants can try out the piano with scales, chords and arpeggios right before playing their pieces.
Applicants should wear their best performance attire.
One parent may accompany an applicant into the audition room. Parents only may videotape their child.
Parents and students should not approach the judges for any reason before or during the compeition.
Students and parents must leave the building after the audition, unless they have an appointment with a piano consultant.