George Gershwin International Music Competition

HOW TO APPLY

G.Gershwin International Competition invites talented musicians to apply for the 2026 piano competition, taking place in New York, USA.
In 2026, Gershwin Music Competition teams up with the Vertex Competition (Europe) to give talents around the world to perform with orchestra.
Please read all rules and guidelines below carefully before you apply.

Eligibility

Gershwin Competition 2026 is open for Pianists only.
2025-2026 Vertex Concerto Competition, however, is open for Piano, Strings, Winds, Brass, Harp, Guitar, Percussion and Voice.

Dates

Preliminary Round of the Gershwin Competition AND Vertex Competition takes place is by Video Recording - please submit by April 30, 2026.

Semifinal and Final Rounds of The 2026 G. Gershwin International Piano Competition take place May 14-17, 2026.

Age categories

Age categories for Piano:
Concert Artists (18-39); Young Artists (13-17); Talent Show (8-12 year old).

Age category for the Vertex Concerto Competition only: 8 to 40 years old.

Age categories for Chamber Ensembles (2027):
Concert Artists (18-43 - average age: 30); Young Artists (13-17 - average age: 15);

Application fees

Competition application fee is $120 for Piano and Duos, applying as Chamber Ensemble.
Application fees-2027 for Trios: $150; Quartets - $175; Ensembles with 5 or more participants - $250.

Application fee for the Vertex Concerto Competition - $125 USA

Application deadlines

Application deadline for Piano and Vertex Competition via Live Audition - April 30, 2026.

Prizes

For current prizes, please visit the following PAGE

How to Apply

Application materials can be submitted electronically at the bottom of the page or mailed to the competition address:
713 Regent drive, Westbury NY 11590 USA

Application process

All applicants must submit:

Completed application form
NON-REFUNDABLE application fee ($120 USA).
Online recording links - please see the instructions below.
Supporting materials:
- Current biography
- One (1) photograph (headshot) for promotional use
- Proof of age (photocopy of birth certificate, driver's license, passport, etc.)

Preliminary Round

To be admitted to the competition's semifinal and final rounds, applicants must go through the preliminary audition by submitting a video recording (LIVE auditions are currently closed.)

Option 1: Live Audition Pre-Selection Timing

PIANO
18-39 years old: 2 pieces of contrasting styles not to exceed 15 minutes.
13-17 years old: 2 pieces of contrasting styles not to exceed 10 minutes.
8-12 years old: 1-2 short pieces of contrasting styles not to exceed 7 minutes.

CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
VERTEX COMPETITION
8-40 years old: 2 pieces of contrasting styles.
Time limit: 15 minutes maximum
A movement from a concerto is a plus, but not required.

Option 2: Video Recording Pre-Selection

Please listen to the video files before submitting to guarantee a good quality of the recording.

Recording formats
A physical DVD (mailed to our address) OR any Internet video recording (such as Youtube, Vimeo, Google Drive, etc.)

Recordings can be submitted as a single link, or as several links from different concerts or events
(recordings from other competitions are welcomed and acceptable).
Recording date(s): any recordings submitted must be recorded within the last 5 years (2020-onward).

Recording round - repertoire and timing:

PIANO
Please submit 1-5 recordings of contrasting styles.
The recordings can be solo playing, or as soloist with orchestra.
Any time limit is acceptable.

VERTEX COMPETITION
Please submit 1-5 recordings of contrasting styles.
Any time limit is acceptable.
Concerto performance is a plus, but not required.

Application

Click on an icon for a printable version of the application (WORD/PDF) or use electronic version below:

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