20th Annual Chopin Piano Competition
Saturday, September 18, 2021
250 Old Maxwell Road, Latham, NY 12110

Registration for the 20th Annual Competition opened February 1, 2021
IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of February 28, 2021, the NOVICE  and APPRENTICE LEVELS are full.
If you would like to be placed on a waitlist, please email rzpollack@gmail.com.
There are still openings in the  Master level.
About the Competition
We are very pleased to announce that this is our 20th Anniversary Year of the Chopin Piano Competition! This annual event allows serious piano students throughout the region to showcase their skill. The 2021 Competition will be held at 250 Old Maxwell Road in Latham on Saturday, September 18, 2021 starting at 9 AM and judged by a panel of accomplished musicians. Any and all appropriate COVID precautions will be in effect at that time.

Contestants perform one piece composed by Chopin, with Apprentice and Master level students selecting an additional composition from an approved repertoire. Winners and runners-up will perform for the community in a concert on Sunday, September 19.

Winners receive cash prizes  Over the last 20 years, the community has grown to appreciate the opportunity to listen and watch our participants perform. Their appreciation allows us to increase the monetary awards for the winners of the 2021 as follows:  The Chopin Novice winner is awarded $250; the Chopin Apprentice level winner, $500; and the Chopin Master level winner, $1000. Runners-up receive $100, $250, and $500, respectively.

A Mazurka Award ($200) and Etude Award ($350) may also be awarded, at the discretion of the judges. 

Use of the Steinway Concert Grand piano is being donated by Artist Pianos in Latham. The awards will be presented at the Winners’ Concert.
Competition Rules
(Please read below as some requirements have been recently amended)
  • The competition is open to piano students between the ages 6 - 19 who live and attend school within a 50 mile radius of the Capital District during the academic year. 
  • Competition will be held on September 18th, beginning at 9 am.
  • The 2021 Competition will be adjudicated by college music faculty.
  • Contestants will perform one Chopin composition of their choice.​
  • Apprentice level students are required to also perform a Chopin Mazurka.
  • Master level students are required to also perform a Chopin Etude in Op. 10 or 25.
  • Email one PDF copy of the composition(s) you have chosen to play for the competition to rzpollack@gmail.com.
  • Registration is limited to first 12 applications received in the Novice level and the first 10 applications in the Apprentice and Master levels.
  • Applicants may choose to be on a waiting list if a level is full.
  • We will contact you promptly to confirm receipt of your registration form.
  • Previous winners of the Chopin Competition are ineligible to compete in same level. 
  • In early September, we will notify you of the time of your performance and other logistics.
  • 1st, 2nd Place winners, and the Mazurka Award and Etude Award winners agree to perform in a Winners Concert on September 19.
  • Non-refundable registration fee of $40 is due with Registration Form.
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Chopin Novice: Typically, participants in this category are between 6-12 years old.
May choose any Chopin composition
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Chopin Apprentice: Typically, participants in this category are between 12-16 years old.
Participant must play two compositions: 1) any Chopin composition of choice, and 2) one Chopin Mazurka
Chopin Master
Participant must be at least 15 years old* and play two compositions: 1) any Chopin composition of choice, and 2) one Etude in either Op. 10 or Op. 25 
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* Age requirement for Master category can be waived if student has won first place in the Apprentice Level and is competent to compete in the Master Level.