The Nina Simone Piano Competition is hosting a new competition-within-a-competition in 2026, open to all applicants of any ethnicity:
the African American Composer Competition.

Open to anyone, this competition focuses on the performance of works by African-American composers. It will have a video round with 3 competitors chosen to participate in person during the 2026 competition week in June in San Francisco; there is also a cash prize of $3000.

DATES + LOCATION: the first round is video-only; the second and final round takes places during the NSPC competition week on June 19, 2026, in San Francisco.

APPLICATIONS: Applications are now open. The final application deadline is March 21, 2026.

NOTE: Applicants to the Nina Simone Piano Competition for African American Pianists (the Main competition) have the option to also apply for this competition for no additional fee. Simply indicate within the Main application that you intend to ALSO apply for the African American Composer Competition and you will be prompted to upload the required media. Please see below for the additional/separate rules + requirements for the African American Composer Competition.

RULES: click here for rules.