The North American Competition is open to pianists who will be age 17 by the first day of the semifinal round, but who have not reached age 23 on the final day of competition.

Applicants may be of any nationality, must live or attend school full time in North America, and must be able to communicate in English.

Pianists who have conflicts of interest with a juror are not permitted to apply if the potential contestant:
• has studied with a juror in the two years prior to the competition
• has family connections with the juror
• is accepted to study with a juror in the near future
• has received competition preparation from the juror.

Applicants are permitted to enter if they are acquainted with a juror through past competitions, festivals, master classes, or enrollment in the same school.

First place prize winners in previous North American Competitions and previous PianoArts fellows may not apply.

CONTESTANT RULES AND PROCEDURES
Application for Video Preliminary Round

January 26, 2026 is the due date of the application for the video preliminary round of the 2026 North American Competition. Applicants are required to submit a video recording of a complete concerto and two solos of contrasting periods. Repertory and Rounds

Videos must be filmed within 12 months prior to submission. Applcants may submit either one video containing all work, or separate videos for each work or movement of a work. Recordings must be filmed with one continuous view of the applicant’s hands and feet and may not be edited within movements. 

Oher required materials include a recommendation by the teacher, proof of age, and two high resolution color photographs. Application

Applicants must sign an agreement (connected with the application) and submit a non-refundable application fee of $150.Example of the agreement

CONTESTANT RULES AND PROCEDURES
For Competitors Advanced to the Semifinal and Final Rounds

The original application will reopen for contestants advanced to the semifinals to list their programs for two semifinal recitals. They also will be asked for more details about their backgrounds to use for publicity purposes.

 Semifinalists must sign another agreement (connected with the application) and submit a non-refundable fee of $250.Example of the semifinal agreement

To participate in the semifinal rounds, pianists must arrive in Milwaukee by a specified time to ensure participation in all scheduled events. Semifinalists are responsible for their own travel arrangements and expenses to and from Milwaukee.

Semifinalists and finalists must not have any professional or other commitments during the time of the Competition and Festival.

Pianists will be accommodated individually in private homes. Practice facilities will be available at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. 

Competition performance order will be determined by a random drawing.

Prior to the final round, semifinalists who do not advance to the finals will have one on one conferences with the jury. Finalists will remain in Milwaukee following the final round for their one and one conferences with the jury.

POST COMPETITION RULES AND PROCEDURES
Pianists receiving prizes will be responsible for paying the taxes on the awarded amounts.

The pianists invited to return to Milwaukee as fellows will be scheduled with on-site teaching engagements in southeastern Wisconsin. Expenses will be paid, and each fellow will receive a stipend.