Playful piano competition
by alamo music
registerABOUT THE COMPETITION
The Playful Piano Competition is a fun, community-driven event designed to inspire and challenge young pianists across the San Antonio and Austin areas. Open to students ages 18 and under, this competition welcomes all musical styles—classical, jazz, pop, improvisation, original compositions, and even video game music.
Participants will receive detailed critique sheets from three professional judges, offering valuable feedback on technique, musicality, and style. Winners in each division will earn cash prizes.
Join us this fall and discover what you're capable of!
watch last years performances
playful piano competition 2025
registration
This competition invites young pianists to showcase their talent while gaining meaningful performance and competition experience. Registration ends October 7, 2026.
How to Register
Finalists will be notified by October 26, 2026 via email.
STEP 1:
Complete the registration form with a legal guardian's contact information and submit the non-refundable $35 registration fee online using the link below.
STEP 2:
Record your performance and upload the video to Youtube by October 11, 2026. View the Video Submission Guide below.
STEP 3:
Email your link to yourfriends@alamomusic.com with the subject line "Playful piano video audition" + The Pianist name
Get the chance to Perform live on a Shigeru Kawai SK-EX 9 foot Grand Piano.
meet the judges
Geraldine Ong
Artem Kuznetsov
Martha Taplin
NO MEMORIZATION REQUIRED
Record your performance of TWO piano selections to demonstrate contrast and range. These are entirely YOUR CHOICE, so choose pieces you love. The judges will watch and grade the performances of the two pieces and suggest which you should perform live.
SOME RULES:
1. Introduce yourself and announce each piece. (title + composer).
2. The Camera must show hands and face
3. No editing or cuts
4. Maximum length: 10 minutes
VIDEO SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
add to your calendar
Important Dates To Save
(Click To add the dates to your calendar)
Registration deadline- October 7th
Video Submission - October 11th
Finalist Announcement - October 26th
Live Competition Performance - November 7th at 11 AM
AWARDS
Prizes will be awarded in three divisions: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Beginner
1st Place - $125 Cash prize
Runner Up - $75 Alamo Music Gift Card
Intermediate
1st Place - $225 Cash Prize
Runner Up - $150 Alamo Music Gift Card
advanced
1st Place - $400 Cash Prize
Runner up - $250 Gift Card
THE FINAL PERFORMANCE
Finalists will perform live in recital at our downtown San Antonio location.
Free parking available at Artpace lot and Alamo Music lot.