top of page

Frequently Asked Questions

I am not from the Bay Area. Can I still enter?

Yes! We welcome participants of all levels from any location, including internationally. We have had submissions from all over the US and as far abroad as Thailand.

What repertoire should I submit?

Please review the Rules for detailed repertoire and time limits. Our winners usually submit 2 contrasting selections from different musical periods OR a larger work, but please submit your best performance. All submissions will be considered for prizes.

What does my application fee go toward?

All of the application fee goes toward the Competition's expenses, from running the website to adjudicators' fees to tuition assistance for our winners. The competition makes very little, if any, profit and works hard to ensure that our commitment to providing cash prizes, masterclasses, and detailed comments shows due respect for every student's efforts. Each Competitor will receive a certificate and approximately 1–2 pages of detailed comments (upon payment of the required fee) from two adjudicators, which will be delivered via U.S. mail in a reasonable time-frame following the official release of results, usually within 4-6 weeks after the competition registration deadline.

Why did I not receive a prize?

Every edition we receive many applicants who play very well and show extraordinary dedication to their craft. Music is inherently subjective and while we do our best to judge equally and fairly, unfortunately this means that not every entrant will receive the recognition they may deserve. Please consult the Adjudication Process as well as your comment sheets (if you registered for them) for detailed feedback. Regardless of the result, we hope that your preparation for this competition has proven fruitful, and we look forward to hearing your continued improvement in a future edition!

What do the different designations on certificates mean?

Besides First, Second, and Third place, which are absolute rankings, Honorable Mention is awarded to the next highest-ranking competitors who scored at least 8.5 and show exceptional promise. If there is more than one, they will be listed in alphabetical order on the Winners page. Beginning in 2026, Merit is reserved for scores of at least 8, reflecting our appreciation for the competitor's dedication, hard work, and high-level performance. All other competitors will receive Participation certificates. 

Please note that Special Prizes may be included on your Certificate as well. These will be distributed at the adjudicators' discretion and may be accompanied by a monetary award.

Where can I submit my competition videos?

You can submit your videos and scores through the Video Submission page after registering and paying. 

When will results be released?

Competition results will be released on our website and social media pages within 4–6 weeks after the competition registration deadline. In the event of any delay, Competition Administration will duly notify participants. Any inquiries regarding results within this 6-week time period will not receive a response.

I didn't receive my certificate or comments yet. What should I do?

In the event the Competitor does not receive the certificate within 6 weeks after the registration deadline, the Competitor shall notify the Competition through the Contact Form or through email at BayAreaPiano33@gmail.com.

Who judged my performance and wrote my comments?

Please see our Current Adjudicators in addition to your comment sheets. Each adjudicator chooses whether or not to sign their comments. Due to unfortunate impolite communications we have received in the past, some of our adjudicators choose to remain anonymous. If you did not register for comments, you can rest assured that your video was listened to in detail by at least 3 of our adjudicators, as described  in the Adjudication Process.

Why can't I know what my score was?

We use the 10-point score system only as a way to avoid overly subjective rankings, but do not wish to assign a value to any individual performer. Two competitors with the exact same score may play very different music and have different strengths and weaknesses, and scores do not reflect that. We place much more emphasis on the detailed feedback our adjudicators work hard to provide. Our competition offers a unique opportunity for students of all levels to receive detailed high-level feedback.

Get in Touch

If your question is not answered after reading through the rules or the FAQ, please feel reach out to us through the Contact form below. Whether you're a participant, teacher, or a potential sponsor, we'll be happy to talk. 

Bay Area Piano Competition

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube

Thanks for reaching out! We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Join our mailing list

© 2026 by Bay Area Piano Competition. All rights reserved.

bottom of page