2025 GUIDE TO TOP COMPETITIONS
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Ralph Votapek International Young Artist Piano Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Ralph Votapek Young Artist International Piano Competition at Michigan State University offers pianists, 14 to 18 year old, the chance to compete for over $10,000 in prizes, including $5,000 for first place. Held August 14-17, 2025, it features live-audience performances, master classes, program tours, and access to advanced facilities.
MAIN OFFICE
333 West Circle Drive
East Lansing, MI 48824 UNITED STATES
517-353-5340
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The Ralph Votapek International Young Artist Piano Competition welcomes pianists of all nationalities. Artists may apply who are 14 to 18 year old as of the competition dates and who are not enrolled in a college music program. In consultation with their teacher, applicants seeking professional and competitive experience in classical piano are encouraged to apply.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
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HEALTH & SAFETY
DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | Less than $10,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Jury chair(s) | Dr. Eric Zuber, assistant professor of piano, Michigan State University College of Music |
| Additional jurors | Michigan State University College of Music: -Deborah Moriarty, professor of piano and chair of the keyboard area -Young Hyun Cho, associate professor of piano -Stanislav Khristenko, assistant professor of piano -Derek Polischuk, professor of piano and director of piano pedagogy -Zhihua Tang, associate professor in collaborative piano -Ralph Votapek, professor emeritus, piano |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application fee | $150 |
| Application deadline | April 15, 2025 |
| Application notes | Applicants must submit a preliminary video (maximum 30 minutes) featuring at least three solo works, including one movement of a classical sonata and a significant romantic work. Performances must be from memory. Also required are: a biography; a professional color photo; ID or proof of citizenship; and a teacher recommendation letter. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
August 15, 2025—Cook Recital Hall, Music Building, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Semifinalists will perform a recital not to exceed 30 minutes presenting at least one Classical sonata movement and a significant work or works from the Romantic era. Any remaining recital time allotted can be repertoire chosen by the competitor. Repertoire from the candidate's application for the preliminary round may be repeated. |
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FINALS (live rounds)
August 17, 2025—Cook Recital Hall, Music Building, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Finalists will perform a recital not to exceed 60 minutes (repertoire from the candidate's semifinal round may be repeated). Any remaining recital time allotted can be repertoire chosen by the competitor. |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 is the inaugural year of the competition.
SOCIAL LINKS
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