There is a cash prize of $3,000.

March 21, 2026:

Application Submission Deadline

April 15, 2026:

Finalists Notified

June 19, 2026:

Live final rounds in San Francisco

*dates subject to change

1. The competition consists of a video round, and a live final round in San Francisco.

2. Persons also competing in the Nina Simone Piano Competition for African-American Pianists (hereinafter “the Main Competition”) may also participate in this competition.  The composition may be accepted as the Main Competition African-American diaspora repertoire requirement provided it meets the time stipulation.  Performing a work by a composer from the African diaspora in the Main Competition repertoire does not automatically enter you into the African American Composer Competition.  During the Main Competition application process you must affirm that you are also participating in the African American Composer Competition, and upload the required media.

3. Applications must be submitted via: app.getacceptd.com

4. This competition is international

5. The Nina Simone Competition reserves the right to adjust its participation requirements, including vaccinations, based on the evolving circumstances of any possible pandemic and the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and/or the California Department of Public Health, and/or the Ohio Department of Health.

6. Finalists should arrive no later than June 18, 2026, unless they are also competing in the Nina Simone Piano Competition for African American pianists, in which case NSPC arrival dates supersede the aforementioned date of June 18.

7. Accommodations will be provided for all finalists who do not live in the San Francisco area.  If spouses, relatives, or friends wish to accompany the competitor, they must provide lodging and transportation for themselves. Accommodations are provided until the morning of June 20, 2026.  Finalists are responsible for all lodging beyond this date.

8. Finalists may not have any other commitments during the competition.  All competitors must remain in San Francisco during the competition.  

9. Attendance at competition events and announcements is mandatory.  Failure to appear without prior approval of the Nina Simone Piano Competition may result in disqualification.

10. All information provided in this document is correct at the time of publication. However, the Nina Simone Piano Competition reserves the right to make changes if circumstances dictate. Check our website ninasimonepianocompetition.org for changes and updates. In differences between translations of texts and rules, the English language is definitive.

11. Competitors agree to be financially responsible for any and all medical needs and expenses during their visit as competitor of the Nina Simone Piano Competition, Inc.

1. The African American Composer Competition is open to applicants of any age and ethnicity. Applications must be received by March 21, 11:59pm EST. All applicants will be notified by April 15, 2026. The Nina Simone Piano Competition reserves the right to request additional information from applicants.

2. The following must be included in the online application form viagetacceptd.com/artofthepiano. No physical application will be accepted by the NSPC office.

   a. A non-refundable charge of $50 (after February 28, 2026 the fee is $70)

   b. A digital, high-resolution (300 dpi or higher) photograph of the applicant.

   c. A copy of an official birth certificate or passport.

   d. An electronic copy of the applicant’s biography of at least 100 words, but no more than 200 words, suitable for publication in the program and/or publicity.

   e. Information about the applicant’s prior musical activities: details of competitions entered, awards received, press releases, reviews, recordings released, and management agencies.

   f. Details of the applicant’s musical studies. Names of the applicant’s present and most recent teachers, and institutions where studies took place, if applicable. Please include details of any master classes in which the applicant has participated.

   g. A video upload is required. This shall consist of any work by a composer from the African diaspora, up to 15 minutes in length, for solo piano.  The recording of must be in one (1) take and the hands must be visible at all times on camera.  TO PRESERVE ANONYMITY, DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR NAME AS PART OF THE FILE NAME.  DO NOT ADD TITLES WITH YOUR NAME TO THE VIDEO.

Applicants to the Main Competition need not submit materials in lines b through f more than once.  It is only necessary to attest within your Main Competition application that you wish to also participate in the African American Composer Competition; and to upload the video adhering to the requirements outlined above.

(1). The screening jury, composed of three members, will evaluate all audition material and will select winners according to the following procedures:

a. Competitors are identified to the jury by number only. No other information is given, nor is the jury allowed to view any applications, recommendation letters, or photographs.

b. The recordings are evaluated by each member of the jury based on commonly accepted musical criteria, without discussion.

c. The number of finalists to include in the live rounds in San Francisco remains at the discretion of the jury and/or artistic director.  This may include not advancing anyone to the live rounds.

(2). Royalty rights for all performances are the full and exclusive responsibility of the competitor.

(3). No competitor will be admitted who has:

(a) Ever studied in any capacity with a jury member

OR

(b) Has been coached by a jury member in preparation for the competition.

OR

(c) Is a relative of a jury member

(4). Once accepted to the competition, competitors are forbidden to play for members of the jury in master classes or privately. Any such violation will result in disqualification.

(5). There shall be no contact or conversation between any competitor and any juror prior to the competitor’s elimination.  Any such willful violation will disqualify the competitor.

(6). Cash awards are subject to applicable U.S. income tax laws.

(7). Any and all repertoire changes must be approved by the Artistic Director.  No repertoire changes may be made after May 15, 2026. 

(8). All rounds of the Competition may be broadcast live or may be recorded and videotaped for subsequent broadcast, video, internet, or audio recording use. Camera crews may document all Competition events. Neither the Nina Simone Piano Competition, Inc. nor its assignees or licensees may be held liable for any payments to competitors arising out of materials derived from Competition performances. Applicants are required to sign a release form yielding all rights on such materials to the Nina Simone Piano Competition, Inc., its assignees, or its licensees.

(9). All performances are property of the Nina Simone Piano Competition and may only be reproduced and disseminated with the Nina Simone Piano Competition’s express and written permission.

(10). While we intend to award all announced prizes, final decisions in this regard will be at the discretion of the jury.

(11). All decisions made by the jury/ies are final.