Stella Unica International Young Artist Piano Competition
Information & Regulations
The Stella Unica International Young Artist Piano Competition invites pianists ages 5–18 to demonstrate their artistry, receive professional evaluation, and compete for prizes and special awards.
Competition Format & Important Dates
The competition is conducted online through video submission.
Application Deadline: October 25, 2026
Live Winners’ Concerts: November 14, 2026
Performance Sessions: 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM
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An online Winners' Concert will be available for participants who are unable to attend in person.
Additional details will be announced at a later date.
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Stella Unica Prizewinners’ Recital - Online: December 1, 2026
A prerecorded concert celebrating all Stella Unica prizewinners, featuring previously submitted performance videos and recordings from the live Winners’ Concert.
Live Concert Venue
Tracy Powers Concert Hall
Age Divisions & Maximum Performance Time
Participants will be assigned to a division based on their age as of November 14, 2026:
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Junior Division: Ages 5–8 — up to 5 minutes
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Pre-Intermediate Division: Ages 9–11 — up to 7 minutes
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Intermediate Division: Ages 12–14 — up to 10 minutes
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Senior Division: Ages 15–18 — up to 12 minutes
Performance Categories & Repertoire
Piano Solo
One or two contrasting works from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, or 20th- and 21st-century repertoire.
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Please see the Awards page for additional repertoire options featuring contemporary composers and selected works eligible for National Awards.
Piano Ensemble
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Piano Duet: One piano, four hands or two pianos
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Piano Trio: One piano, six hands
Participants may perform one or two contrasting works from any musical period.
Piano Concerto
One movement of a piano concerto, with the orchestral part performed on a second piano.
General Requirements
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The competition is open exclusively to pianists.
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Only published music may be performed.
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Simplified arrangements are not permitted.
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The same repertoire may not be entered in more than one category.
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Memorization is required for Piano Solo.
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Scores are permitted for Piano Ensemble and Piano Concerto performances.
Participation Fees
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Piano Solo: $75 per participant
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Piano Duet: $45 per participant
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Piano Trio: $35 per participant
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Piano Concerto: $95 per participant
A separate application and fee are required for each category. Application fees are non-refundable.
Teacher Participation
Teachers accompanying their students in the Piano Concerto category are exempt from the participation fee.
Awards
Please review the complete list of prizes, awards, and special distinctions on the Piano Competition Awards page:
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View Piano Competition Awards →
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Each participating teacher will receive a Teacher Recognition Certificate.
Winners' Concerts
Selected winners will be invited to perform in the live Winners’ Concerts in Massachusetts. Participation in a Winners’ Concert does not require an additional fee.
Winners who cannot attend in person will be invited to participate in an online Winners’ Concert.
Award Delivery
Physical awards may be mailed to winners who cannot attend the live concerts.
Shipping arrangements must be coordinated in advance with the Competition Director.
Participation confirms acceptance of these regulations. Incomplete or ineligible applications may be disqualified.