Colorado Peaks Piano Competition

Competition Guidelines

Date: Sat, 2/28/2026 
Time: beginning at 9:00 am

Divisions

Divisions are determined by the student's age as of January 24 , 2026.
  • Division 1: ages 5 – 9
  • Division 2: ages 10 – 12
  • Division 3: ages 13 – 15
  • Division 4: ages 16 – 18 (pre-collegiate)

Time Limits

  • Division 1 (ages 5 – 9): 8 minutes
  • Division 2 (ages 10 – 12): 10 minutes
  • Division 3 (ages 13 – 15): 12 minutes
  • Division 4 (ages 16 – 18, pre-collegiate): 15 minutes

Repertoire

  • two pieces of contrasting styles from different composers
  • memory required for both pieces
  • single movements from multi-movement works count as one selection (such as Sonatinas, Sonatas, Suites, etc); no repeats; multiple movements are permitted within the time limit but combined only count as one piece
  • a Prelude & Fugue acceptable either individually or jointly as one selection
  • no concerti
  • original solo piano repertoire, legally obtained with notated score
  • transcriptions for solo piano are permissible
  • repertoire changes permitted until January 31, after which no further changes can be made

General Information

  • registration fee: $50
  • one round event unless a division is large, in which case there will be a preliminary round (both pieces) and then final round (1 piece) for that division
  • performances exceeding divisional time limits will be stopped (judges must hear at least part of both pieces)
  • extended piano techniques (inside the piano) not permitted
  • results located on the “Results” page (shortly after a divisional round’s completion)
  • certificates and judges’ critiques for all participants
  • one original (not photocopied) score of each piece with measures numbered required for the judges
  • scheduling requests not accommodated
  • no refunds
  • first place divisional winners ineligible to compete in the same division subsequent year
  • judges’ decisions are final
  • registration indicates agreement with all rules & guidelines
  • competition expected to begin at 9:00 am, specific schedule to be sent out after the registration deadline

Cash Awards

  • Division 1: $100 (1st), $50 (2nd), $25 (3rd)
  • Division 2: $130 (1st), $65 (2nd), $50 (3rd)
  • Division 3: $150 (1st), $75 (2nd), $50 (3rd)
  • Division 4: $200 (1st), $100 (2nd), $75 (3rd)

Winners’ Recital

A Winners’ Recital for students awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each division will be held on Saturday, February 28th at 5:00 pm. Students will perform ONE of their competition pieces at the recital (preferable maximum time of 8 minutes) and afterward fill out W9 forms to be able to receive their cash prizes! (Please have the student’s social security number information on hand.)

Register