Stay tuned for updates on next year's competition
The Yamaha Piano Competition at Classic Pianos in Denver celebrates the artistry and dedication of young pianists. Founded in 1988 by Classic Pianos’ own Bob Baker, the event is Colorado’s largest piano competition and one of the most prominent in the country. Many past winners have gone on to attend prestigious schools such as Juilliard, Oberlin, Berklee, Indiana, and Peabody, and several have become concert pianists performing across the U.S. and Europe.
Open to the public, the Yamaha Piano Competition culminates in the must-see Honors Recital and Awards Ceremony, where the finest talent is celebrated. First-place winners in the four Advanced Group Divisions will also perform with the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge, Colorado, in July 2026.
GET THE DETAILS ON THE 2026 YAMAHA PIANO COMPETITION
Click here to ask a question about the 2026 Yamaha Piano Competition.
GROUPS & AGE DIVISIONS
The Yamaha Piano Competition at Classic Pianos in Denver consists of three groups, which each compete in four divisions:
Competition Groups
Adjudication Only Group (AOG)
Competitive Group (CG)
Advanced Group (AG)
Age Divisions
Division 1: Ages 5 – 9
Division 2: Ages 10 – 12
Division 3: Ages 13 – 15
Division 4: Ages 16 – 19
Adjudication Only (Non-Competitive) Group
The Adjudication Only group is designed as a supportive, non-competitive performance experience for students at any stage of their musical development. Students in this group may perform with or without music and are not ranked or compared. Adjudicators provide constructive, encouraging feedback to help students build confidence and support future performances. This group is ideal for first-time participants, younger students, or any student who would benefit from performing without the pressure of competition.
Competitive Group
The Competitive group is intended for students prepared for a ranked performance setting. Students perform from memory and are evaluated alongside peers within their age division. Adjudication focuses on musicality, technique, and interpretation, with awards presented by division. This group is well suited for students who have prior performance experience and are comfortable preparing repertoire for competition.
Competitive groups 1 and 2 prize money: $100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third place
Competitive groups 3 and 4 prize money: $125 for first place, $100 for second place, and $75 for third place
Advanced
The Advanced group is designed for highly accomplished pianists seeking a rigorous competitive experience. Students perform from memory and are evaluated at the highest level for technical proficiency, musical maturity, and interpretive depth.
Acvanced groups 1 and 2 prize money: $125 for first place, $100 for second place, and $75 for third place
Advanced groups 3 and 4 prize money: $150 for first place, $125 for second place, and $100 for third place
APPLICATION DETAILS
Competition applications must be received online by 5pm on Monday, March 15, 2026. All applicants must complete the registration form to enter. Teachers are not limited in the number of qualified students they can admit.
Each entry must be accompanied by a short biography of the Young Artist, a recent, high-quality color photograph, a performance selection, and a letter of recommendation.
REPERTOIRE SELECTIONS
Adjudication Only Group students may perform with or without music. Competitive and Advanced Group performances must be performed from memory, and a copy of the music must be made available for adjudicators. The maximum length of a competitor’s performance is determined by their group:
Adjudication Only Group (AOG): Up to 10 minutes
Competitive Group (CG) : Up to 15 minutes
Advanced Group (AG): Up to 20 minutes
COMPETITION DATES
All competitions will take place at Classic Pianos, located at 1332 S. Broadway in Denver. Competition dates vary by competition group. We are tentatively planning for the following competition dates:
April 16 – 18: Adjudication Only Group (AOG) and Competitive Group Divisions 1 (ages 5 – 9) and 2 (ages 10 – 12)
April 23 – 25: Competitive Group Divisions 3 (ages 13 – 15) and 4 (ages 16 – 19), and all Advanced Group Divisions
Applicants will be advised of final competition dates and times by March 22nd.
The Honors Recital and Awards Ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026: Competitive Group at 4:30pm & Advanced Group at 6:30pm
ASK A QUESTION ABOUT THE YAMAHA PIANO COMPETITION
2026 YAMAHA PIANO COMPETITION PHOTOS
Join us as we witness the next generation of great pianists take the stage!
This competition is held at Classic Pianos at 1332 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
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