Student Ages

Students enroll according to their age as of September 15 of the application year. There is no age minimum or maximum. We accept entries from all ages and levels. For multi-aged duos and quartets, you will enter according to the age of the oldest partner.

Siblings must enter in the Sibling category (Level VIII). The only exception is if the same siblings submit two entries. In that case, one entry will be entered in Level VIII, and the other entry can be entered in the age level of the older sibling.

Levels

• Level I – Ages 6 & Under

• Level II – Ages 7-8

• Level III – Ages 9-10

• Level IV – Ages 11-12

• Level V – Ages 13-14

• Level VI – Ages 15-16

• Level VII – Ages 17-18

• Level VIII – Sibling – Two Age Categories: (a) Ages 6-13 & (b) Ages 14-Adult*

• Level IX – Parent/Child

• Level X – Quartet – Two Age Categories: (a) Ages 6-13 & (b) Ages 14-Adult

• Level XI – Amateur Adult – Ages 19 & Above

• Level XII - Professionals

– For multi-aged duos and quartets, you will enter according to the age of the oldest partner.

* Sibling (b) Category: One sibling must be under the age of 19.

Limited Performances (Youth Categories)

A student may compete a MAXIMUM of 3 times in this competition under the following circumstances: a) Each performance repertoire must be different. b) Each student must stay within his/her age level except when entering as Sibling (Level VIII) or Parent (Level IX). If entering as a sibling, the age of the older sibling must be used. In the event a winner cannot participate in the Winners’ Concert, the teacher or another student may substitute for that participant.

Payment

The application process is complete when both application and payment are submitted. All major cards are accepted via PayPal.

Competition Finals & Awards

Competition finals will be held at the Broadmoor Hotel on January 5-7, 2024. Due to the amount of requests we receive, we cannot guarantee a specific concert time. First concert will be Saturday morning. Please plan accordingly.

All finalists will receive a trophy and medal directly after their performance. Top winners in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each category will be announced Sunday afternoon after the last performances and will be awarded an additional trophy. Please note that no awards will be mailed. You must be present to accept your awards or make arrangements for someone to pick them up.

Travel Expenses

Airfare, hotel and transportation will be at the expense of the entrants. The Broadmoor Hotel provides airport transportation for a nominal fee, which must be arranged through the hotel prior to arrival.

Two Pianos Only

Only “DUO” works may be entered. Two piano duos and quartets are permitted. Movements of duets, trios, or other ensemble works are NOT allowed. Arrangements, transcriptions, and original duo works qualify for the competition. Within these guidelines, there are no other restrictions on repertoire.

Finalists will perform the same piece as submitted with the application. 

Time Limit

A time limit is imposed on all categories. At the live competition, please be aware that judges may end any performance running over the time limit.

• Level XI Amateur (Ages 19- Adult): 12 minutes

• Levels V-VII, VIIIb & X (Ages 13-18 & Quartets): 10 minutes

• Levels I-IV, VIIIa (Ages 12 & under, Sibling Under 14, Parent/Child): 8 minutes

Memorization

Music does NOT have to be memorized for performances.

Performance Attire

Appropriate concert dress is required for all performances.

Pre-Performance Judging

A panel of judges will adjudicate each audio or video link. Please note that we only accept a website link to your recording or video. Please upload to Google Drive, YouTube or similar file storage service. Winners of each of the divisions are invited to perform January 5-7, 2024 at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.

Youth/Amateur Entry Fees

To qualify for acceptance in the competition, each duo team must submit an application form, an audio or video link, and the non-refundable enrollment fee of $130 total per duo or $130 total per quartet per entry of a piece.

Judges’ Decisions

All decisions of the judges are final. Judges are not required to name winners from each division should the level of the performances not meet the judges’ standards.

Application Deadlines

USIDPC offers early decision deadlines as a convenience to traveling competitors. Other than early results and having more time to make travel arrangements, there is no benefit to a particular deadline. Please choose the deadline that works best for you.

• Youth/Amateur Early Decision Deadline: October 20, 2023

• Early decision results will be announced October 30, 2023

• Youth/Amateur Regular Deadline: November 15, 2023

Competition Tickets

• General Admission: $10 per day

• Senior Admission: $5 per day

• Weekend Pass: $30 per family or $15 per individual

General admission tickets will be sold at the door.