Special Beethoven Category
IPPA is pleased to announce a unique partnership with the American Beethoven Society (ABS) establishing the inaugural 2026 IPPA International Piano Competition: Special Beethoven Category.
The American Beethoven Society supports the Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies at San Jose State University, the largest research institution in the Americas devoted solely to Beethoven.
IPPA is privileged to join ABS in honoring, in their words,
“the creative genius of Beethoven, who speaks to the heart and mind of humanity.”
Eligible participants in the Special Beethoven Category receive the following benefits:
A $1,500 cash prize, awarded across three age divisions.
The distinguished Beethoven Scholar Award, whose recipient will receive $500 scholarship and invited to present at the IPPA Conero International Piano Festival.
A complimentary two-year ABS membership.
Age Divisions
Junior Beethoven Group: Ages 10–13
Senior Beethoven Group: Ages 14–17
Professional Beethoven Group: Ages 18–32
Repertoire Requirements
Free choice of original works Ludwig van Beethoven
Transcriptions are not permitted
Performers may include individual movements from one or more sonatas, as well as selected pieces from a larger set, such as Bagatelles or Variations.
Awards & Prizes (Sponored ABS)
Professional Beethoven Group
(ages 18–32)
🏆 First Prize: $1,000
Senior Beethoven Group (ages 14–17)
🏆 First Prize: $300
Junior Beethoven Group
(ages 10–13)
🏆 First Prize: $200
Repertoire Age Groups
Junior Beethoven Group
(Ages 10–13)
First Round:
One or two works Beethoven
Maximum repertoire length: 10 minutes
Performance time limit: 7 minutes
Final Round:
One or two works, including one from the First Round repertoire.
Maximum repertoire length: 10 minutes
Senior Beethoven Group
(Ages 14–17)
First Round:
One or two works Beethoven
Maximum repertoire length: 15 minutes
Performance time limit: 10 minutes
Final Round:
One or two works, including one from the First Round repertoire.
Maximum repertoire length: 15 minutes
Professional Beethoven Group (Ages 18–32)
First Round:
One or two works Beethoven
Maximum repertoire length: 20 minutes
Performance time limit: 12 minutes
Final Round:
One or two works, including one from the First Round repertoire.
Total duration: No more than 20 minutes
Beethoven Scholar Award – 2026 Conero Festival
The American Beethoven Society (ABS) is sponsoring a $500 Beethoven Scholar Award for a Pedagogy Fellow at the 2026 Conero Festival.
The selected Beethoven Scholar will:
- Present a lecture or lecture-recital on a Beethoven-related topic in Recanati, Italy during the 2026 Conero Festival
- Assist with teaching activities within the festival program
Application Requirements
- Submit an original academic paper (topic not limited)
- Provide a 5-minute video lecture clip on a Beethoven topic
- Submit a current biography
- Submit a current CV or résumé
- Graduate students, university faculty and private piano teachers holding a Master of Music (M.M.) degree or higher are eligible to apply
Application Deadline: May 10, 2026
Frequently asked question:
How to Sign Up?
You can apply the Special Beethoven Category through the IPPA Competition National Round. Find your own division, use the national round application form to submit your information.
Application Fee:
First Round: USD $130
Final Round: USD $180
How many divisions are open for the Special Beethoven Category?
For this first-year pilot, the Beethoven Special Category will be offered in person within North America(US and Canada) only, with plans to expand to all global divisions in future editions.
Can I enter both the Beethoven Special Category and the regular divisions?
Yes, you can apply for both categories through the same application. If you are using the same piece for each category, you will be playing again in separate category.
Can 2025 finalists enter?
Yes, you must apply through your division’s national round competition.