PLEASE READ ALL THESE GUIDELINES VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION:

  • The Hilton Head International Piano Competition welcomes pianists of all nationalities.
  • Applicants must be at least age 13 at the beginning of the Competition (March 16, 2026) and no older than 17 at the end of the Competition (March 21, 2026).
  • First Prize winners of previous Hilton Head International Piano Competitions are not eligible to apply again.
  • Any applicant who falls into one of the categories below will NOT be eligible for this competition:
    • related to any member of the 2026 Competitor Selection Jury or the 2026 Competition Jury, or
    • has studied as a private student or student at a University or School of Music in the past five years with any member of the 2026 Competitor Selection Jury or the 2026 Competition Jury as their primary teacher [excluding master classes, summer programs and festivals] or,
    • has been coached by a member of either of the 2026 Juries in preparation for the 2026 Hilton Head International Piano Competition

Applications for the 2026 competition will be accepted starting on June 1, 2025 .  Click HERE to apply. (deadline September 30, 2025).