Hammer Down!
Piano Competition 2026
Call for Participation
Piano Competition 2026
Call for Participation
Purdue University Department of Music
In partnership with the Steinway & Sons Spirio Residency Program
The Purdue University Department of Music invites pianists to participate in the inaugural Hammer Down! Piano Competition, held as part of a two-week Steinway Spirio Residency. The competition will take place in the LAMP Recital Hall at the Purdue University Campus. Participants will have the opportunity to practice and perform on the Steinway Spirio, one of the most advanced performance and recording pianos available today.
In partnership with the Steinway & Sons Spirio Residency Program
The Purdue University Department of Music invites pianists to participate in the inaugural Hammer Down! Piano Competition, held as part of a two-week Steinway Spirio Residency. The competition will take place in the LAMP Recital Hall at the Purdue University Campus. Participants will have the opportunity to practice and perform on the Steinway Spirio, one of the most advanced performance and recording pianos available today.
Advanced Division
Ages 12 - 18
College Division
All college students
Ages 12 - 18
College Division
All college students
Preliminary Round
Time TBD (early afternoon) | Pick one work from the following list
Time TBD (early afternoon) | Pick one work from the following list
Ludwig van Beethoven — Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 (movement II)
Frédéric Chopin — Étude Op. 10 No. 5 in G-flat major
J.S. Bach — Prelude and Fugue in C minor, BWV 847
(Memorization required)
Final Round
3 finalists perform live
Awards Ceremony and Special Gala Concert by (((April33)))
Frédéric Chopin — Étude Op. 10 No. 5 in G-flat major
J.S. Bach — Prelude and Fugue in C minor, BWV 847
(Memorization required)
Final Round
3 finalists perform live
Awards Ceremony and Special Gala Concert by (((April33)))
Advanced Division Prizes
1st Prize — $300
2nd Prize — $200
3rd Prize — $100
1st Prize — $300
2nd Prize — $200
3rd Prize — $100
College Division Prizes
1st Prize — $300
2nd Prize — $200
3rd Prize — $100a
Practice Opportunities on the Steinway Spirio
Registered participants may schedule practice sessions on the Steinway Spirio during the residency period at the LAMP Recital Hall between April 17 – May 3, 2026. Sign up at here (TBA shortly) by April 15, 2026!
Come Explore | Come Practice & Perform | Be Part of Something Extraordinary
Come Explore | Come Practice & Perform | Be Part of Something Extraordinary