The American Piano Awards are pushing the boundaries of piano performance.

Cadence

Held every two years, the American Piano Awards nurture the best young American jazz and classical pianists. 

Prize

Winners receive career support valued at more than $200,000 over two years, making it the largest award in the world available to American pianists. 

40 years supporting artists

The American Piano Awards alternate between classical and jazz piano and offer significant opportunities for the country’s young premier pianists, ages 18–30, to advance their careers.

All finalists – chosen from a series of juried performances – receive a cash prize and the competition does not have repertoire requirements. Past laureates from both genres have gone on to mightily successful professional careers with international accolades.

Past Winners

2025 Classical Awards Photos

2025 Finals Photo Gallery

Jazz Season Launching Soon

Jazz and Classical

Competition Cadence -

The unique structure of the American Piano Awards challenges the industry’s status quo and elevates more musicians each year.

  • Finalists Chosen

    From hundreds of nominations, five finalists are chosen based upon technical ability and musical personality demonstrated in submitted recordings.

    Over the course of five months, each finalist performs with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and participates in community events.

  • Juried Recitals

    In early spring, the finalists return to Indianapolis for a week of chamber music recitals with the Dover Quartet at Christ Church Cathedral and a solo recital at the Jazz Kitchen.

    The final juried performances are with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, after which the competition winner is announced.

  • The Award

    All finalists receive a cash prize – distinguishing  the American Piano Awards.

    The competition winner receives an award valued at $200,000, including career and PR support, media tour, artist residency at the University of Indianapolis, a recording contract with Steinway & Sons record label, and performance engagements.

Isaiah J Thompson
Isaiah J Thompson

Jazz

The 2027 American Piano Awards will be the jazz competition. Look for information about nominations in 2025.

Michael Davidman<br/><small>(©2025 Mark Sheldon Photography)</small>
Michael Davidman
(©2025 Mark Sheldon Photography)

Classical

The next classical competition Finals will be held in 2029. Entries for nominations announced in 2027.

FAQs

When is the next competition?

The Awards are held every two years, alternating between jazz and classical piano. The 2027 Awards will be for jazz piano, and nominations will be open in Fall 2025.

I am a pianist. How do I apply?

The Awards are open by nomination only. We receive nominations from music schools, presenters, record labels, agents, artist, and a wide variety of other industry people from across the country.  You must be an American citizen ages 18-30 and referred by one of these to apply.

Are your performances open to everyone?

American Piano Awards welcomes people of any race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, and those with disabilities.

To inquire about special accommodations at our performances please email info@piano.cardinalacres.com.

Our performances are generally family friendly and open to all ages, however some venues where we present concerts have an age limit (venues presenting jazz often have a 21+ age requirement).  In cases where this is a consideration we make every effort to include this information on our ticket purchase page.

What should I wear to your performances?

We generally recommend “nice casual” attire for our concerts, but this can vary depending on the venue in which we are presenting.  Classical performances can tend toward more formal attire and jazz performances sometimes more casual.

Can I book an American Piano Awards pianist to perform or teach lessons?

To inquire about booking a winner or laureate of the American Piano Awards please email bookings@piano.cardinalacres.com.

We do not provide piano lessons or maintain a list of piano teachers to recommend since our primary focus is the presentation of our awards and concert programs. Local University music departments and local music stores can be a great starting point for finding a private piano teacher.

What does the organization do between competitions?

We keep busy! In addition to planning the 13 month competitions, we have a recital series in Indianapolis that features past laureates in addition to other great talents in the jazz and classical scenes.

Have I heard of any Awards winners?

Probably! Check our list linked below.

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