The intent of the Golden Key Piano Composition Competition is to encourage creativity and self-expression in student composers and to provide an opportunity for winning compositions to reach an international audience through the Golden Key Music Festival and the World Young Composers' Recitals in Vienna.
The Competition has National and International Divisions. The National Division is only open to young composers who are currently residents of the United States. The International Division is open to young composers from anywhere in the world. Residents of the US can submit applications for National, International, or both.
The Competition is open to composers ages 5 through 26 in four age categories:
A composition submitted for the Competition may be in any style and should be originally written for piano. Compositions for prepared piano are not permitted.
Deadline for submission: January 2, 2013.
Winners will be announced on this web site no later than February 1, 2013.
Winners in each category will receive Diplomas in either First Degree, Second Degree, Third Degree, Fourth Degree, or Achievement.
Selected winning compositions will be included in the program of the Golden Key Music Festival: Vienna and performed at the World Young Composers' Recitals in Vienna in July, 2013.
The top winner in each of the four age categories in the two Divisions (National and International) will receive a $500.00 scholarship towards his or her participation in the Golden Key Music Festival in Vienna. In the case of a tie, the cash prize will be divided between winners.
Each winner's teacher will be awarded a Certificate of Excellence.