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

Open to anyone, competitors will showcase their own transcriptions of songs by Nina Simone.  There will be a video round, with the winner playing their winning selection(s) during the NSPC concert with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in October 2026; there is also a cash prize of $1000.

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 Transcription Competition and you will be prompted to upload the required media. Please see below for the additional/separate rules + requirements for the Transcription Competition.

RULES: click here for rules.

DATES + LOCATION: the first and only round is video-only; the winner will play their winning selection(s) during the NSPC concert with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in October 2026*.

*the transcription portion of the concert is not accompanied by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.