The 2026 New Orleans International Piano Competition

The following materials must be submitted online at getacceptd.com/noipc:

• Nonrefundable application fee of $175 submitted in US dollars via https://app.getacceptd.com/noipc.
• Video files of approximately 30 minutes.
  • Video recordings should be of the highest possible quality.
  • The applicant’s face and hands must be clearly visible throughout the recording.
  • Preferably upload each selection as a separate file.
  • The recording must be unedited.
  • It is permitted to submit a video from a public performance or other competition only if there is no reference to the presenting organization or competition name.
  • Only solo repertoire will be accepted; no orchestral or chamber performance will be accepted.
• Information in the official competition/festival program booklet will be drawn from the material you provide.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Competition Rules

• Previous First Prize winners are not eligible to compete again.

• Applicants who fall into one of the following categories are not eligible to compete in the New Orleans International Piano Competition:

  • has studied as a private student or student at a University School of Music or Conservatory in the past two years with any member of the 2026 Competitor Selection Jury or the 2026 Competition Jury as their primary teacher (excluding master classes, summer programs and festivals).

  • has been coached by a member of either of the 2026 Juries in preparation for the 2026 New Orleans International Piano Competition. 

• Competitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and expenses, however all 12 competitors receive $1,000 USD as a Semifinal Prize.
• Host family housing, practice facilities, and meals will be provided.
• All competitors are required to adhere to the COVID-19 Guidelines and Restrictions of the City of New Orleans. Current guidelines can be found at https://ready.nola.gov/home/
• There is no age restriction for applicants.
• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. 
• The Recorded/Preliminary Round jurors will select 12 applicants to perform in New Orleans in Semifinal Rounds I & II; the 2026 NOIPC jury will select 3 semifinalists to perform both Solo and Concerto programs in the Final Round.
• Decisions of the Competition Committee, the Competition Jury, and the Musical Arts Society of New Orleans Board of Directors are final in all matters.

Repertoire Requirements

Recorded/Preliminary Round
Any solo piano repertoire selected by the competitor, approximately 30 minutes in length. Individual movements of sonatas are acceptable in this round only. Repertoire from the Recorded/Preliminary round may be repeated in either Semifinal Rounds I or II or the Final Round as long as it meets the requirements of those rounds. 

The NOIPC has commissioned a new solo work of 5 to 7 minutes in length from Courtney Bryan. All 12 competitors are required to perform the commissioned work during their Semifinal Round I or Round II recitals. The score will be provided to competitors upon confirmation of their acceptance of our invitation to perform in New Orleans; and for this piece only, pianists may use the score.

Semifinal Round I
A memorized public recital, not to exceed thirty-five minutes in
length, consisting of works chosen by the competitor. All twelve
semifinalists will advance to Semifinal Round II.

Semifinal Round II
A memorized public recital, not to exceed twenty-five minutes in length, consisting of works chosen by the competitor which have not been used in Semifinal Round I. Three contestants will be chosen to advance to the Final Round.

Final Round
A memorized public recital, not to exceed fifty minutes in length,
consisting of works not performed by the competitor in the Semifinal Rounds.

A memorized full concerto for piano and orchestra performed with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra chosen by the competitor from the following list: