FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. When will I be notified about the results of the preliminary round?
A. A review of preliminary round video recordings will be made throughout the months of June and July when we can organize jurors for a live moderated event (to protect the identities of performers). Participants will be notified of their status shortly on or after August 1, including those who did not pass the preliminary stage. We ask for your patience during this time before results are distributed.
Q. How do I upload my audio? I do not see a link.
A. Since 2019, we are asking for links to your YouTube videos directly on the application form. If you missed that part, you may write to us at cbloomberg@live.com or seattlepianointernational@gmail.com and ask to have your application updated. It is important to first host your video on a reliable platform easily accessible in the USA without any special permissions and obtain a link to that video.
Q. We are mailing our submission via UPS. They tell us that we need a physical address, not a PO Box number. Is there any other address I can send my package to?
A. Since 2015, the SIPF now accepts online registration only. Performance footage in the form of video links are accepted on the application form. There should no longer be a need to mail physical materials. However, the SIPF does allow participants to follow up with a mailed physical documents if that is necessary. The only address to which participants may send is: SIPF, 58 Front Street N Ste 200, Issaquah, WA 98027. As long as any materials are postmarked by the deadline of the competition, it may arrive after the electronic form has been submitted.
Q. When is the final round of the competition?
A. The final round of the 2024 Seattle International Piano Competition takes place live at Illsely Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall at a date to be published later. Finalists will be required to confirm their appearance to appear in the September live event by August 10. Participants can expect notification shortly after August 1.
Q. To whom should I make my check payable?
A. Since 2015, the SIPF no longer accepts checks. The electronic application form has visa or master card integration. You should be able to pay through your credit card at the end of the application process.
Q. Do I have to play the same music in the final round as the preliminary video? Is there a time limit?
A. Beginning in 2024, the program of your preliminary and final round program is required to be identical. Both programs must conform to hard time limits with a specific time duration calculation method. According to the “Category Specifics” found in the 2024 Seattle International Piano Competition Complete Rules, Release, Waiver, and Sworn Statement, these are 15 minutes maximum for Professional and Collegiate Artists, 12 minutes maximum for Youth (Ages 14 to 18), 10 minutes for Youth (Ages 10 to 13), and 6 minutes maximum for Youth (Ages 9 and under). Furthermore, if a participant wishes to compete for additional distinctions, such as “Best Performance of Mazurka by Frederic Chopin” or the like, those selections must be included in the preliminary program, so it is best to examine those additional awards closely early on.
Q. Do we receive commentary from the judges?
A. For our flagship event, the Seattle International Piano Competition, there is no written commentary or feedback from the judges. This is a high-level competitive event geared towards the professional spectrum of preparation (even for those in the youth categories). Should a participant be invited to compete as a finalist in our September event, after the conclusion of awards, performing participants are invited to meet the jury for the first time and solicit remarks. No written commentary is provided after the final round. If you seek a more educational opportunity to receive detailed commentary and recommendations from qualified adjudicators, consider our more regular annual sibling events, namely the Classical Viennese Festival, Virtuoso Artists Festival, and Bach Festival.
Q. Do I have to play a Prelude and Fugue by Bach or a sonata movement?
A. Our competition’s unique format is relatively short rounds. With only a few minute’s worth of program, the most strategic competitors will fill a program that best exemplifies their greatest strengths. We have no specific requirements for repertoire. However, have a look at the special prizes. This represents more opportunity to be awarded outside of the gold/silver/bronze medal structure.
Q. My son is 18 and will be enrolled in a conservatory in the Fall. Should he apply for the Youth category, or Collegiate?
A. Although there may be an apparent overlap in ages between the Youth (14-18) and Collegiate categories, since the 2011 rules, we have made a distinction that if the participant will be enrolled in a college program in piano studies for the future academic year, that participant should nonetheless enroll as a Youth (14-18) participant.
Q. I am a pianist, age 32, interested in entering the Seattle competition in 2022 as a Professional Artist. Is there any age limit?
A. No, there are no age limits for your category. Some categories do have a minimum age, which you can find under the rules on the Competition page; though, of course, youth categories do have a maximum age.
Q. I am interested in entering your competition. I am 39 years old, I am finishing my MM Degree and I will continue as a DMA student in Piano Performance this fall. I would like to know if I am able to apply for the Professional Artist Category at the Piano Competition.
A. Professional participants must have either an earned masters degree (or its equivalent) and are working in the field, or are currently enrolled in a terminal music degree program. However, the qualifying date is that during which one applies to the competition. Your status at that time of application will determine your eligibility. So, if your completion of studies takes place on or before this date, you may apply as a Professional Artist or Collegiate Artist, depending.
Q. I see special prizes for awards like, “Best Performance of a sonata movement by Mozart.” Should I include a piece like that on my preliminary recording?
A. Yes. Although preliminary participants who do not proceed to the final round (or winners concert in the case of the Youth, Ages 9 and under category) are not considered for these awards, they must be contained on your preliminary listening selection in order to be considered if your entry advances as a finalist. The final round jury is responsible for granting these awards during the live event in September in Seattle.