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Washington International Piano Artists Competition

Washington Int'l Piano Artists Competition

WIPAC semifinalists at the Cosmos Club, Washington DC
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Compete

The Washington International Piano Artists Competition welcomes qualified non-professional pianists from around the world.

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Status

Applications Open

Applications for the 2026 competition are now open. Complete the form below and submit.

Application Deadline

August 1st

Flexible with advance notification.

Venue

Washington, DC, USA

Scientology Building, 16th & P Streets NW, DC (Prelims & Semis). Final Round venue TBA.

Application Fee

$195 USD

Includes masterclass auditing & 3 receptions

Qualifications

Who May Apply

Confirm all three requirements before submitting your application.

01

Age 31 or Older

Applicant must be 31 years of age or above by the start date of the competition.

02

Non-Professional Pianist

Applicant must not derive their primary income through piano performances. Pianists should consider themselves non-professional artists.

03

Not a Previous First Prize Winner

Previous First Prize Winners of any WIPAC competition are not eligible to compete again.

Format

Three Rounds

Candidates choose their own programs; memorization is not required.

Preliminary

15 min

12 or more advance to Semifinal

Semifinal

20 min

6 advance to Final

Final

25 min

Cash prizes & awards

An extra 5 minutes is permitted per round, but exceeding that may result in disqualification. Candidates may find page turners among fellow competitors.

Awards & Prizes

Prizes

First Prize
$3,000 + Grand Prix Concert, Washington, DC
Second Prize
$2,000
Third Prize
$1,000
Three Finalists
$250 each Special Award

Outstanding Performance Awards

$300 each

Imaginative ProgrammingRomantic PeriodBaroque PeriodClassical PeriodContemporary PeriodPress Jury AwardAudience Award

Composer Special Awards

$300 each (Rachmaninoff: $500)

Bach $300
Beethoven $300
Chopin $300
Paderewski $300
Liszt $300
Rachmaninoff $500
Apply

2026 Application Form

Fill out the form below. No downloads required. WIPAC will confirm receipt by email.

Step 1 of 5: Personal Information 20%
Personal
Recording
Program
Attendance
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Personal Information

Fields marked * are required.

Must be 31+ by competition start date.

Questions?

WIPAC · 3862 Farrcroft Drive · Fairfax, VA 22030 USA

Payment

Pay via PayPal Check payable to WIPAC International: Western Union or contact WIPAC

International Applicants

Apply well in advance. Official acceptance letters for VISA applications are available on request.