The 17th annual Fite Family Young Artists Piano competition is March 24, 2013. Pianists between the ages of 14 and 18 as of March 24, 2013 are eligible to compete. All applications must be turned in by February 25.

The preliminary round of the Young Artist Competition will be conducted by mail. Each entrant submits a high-quality audio recording of two piano pieces in contrasting styles. The semi-final and final rounds will be held on Sunday, March 24, at Ellis Recital Hall. Semi-finalists will perform  two pieces of contrasting style and three finalists will then perform the two pieces from the semi-final round and one additional piece or movement. Three prizes: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third will be awarded.

The Fite Family competition is adjudicated by Ksenia Nosikova, from the University of Iowa, and University professors Hye-Jung Hong and Wei-Han Su.

The application deadline is February 25. All applications must include a clearly-labeled audition recording with name of applicant and repertoire, proof of age, a photograph for the program booklet (electronic version may be sent to the Competition Coordinator), and a non-refundable check for $25 to the Missouri State University Foundation.

For more information, you may contact Dr. Peter Collins, Competition Coordinator, by email at petercollins@missouristate.edu or by phone at (417) 836-5548. You may also visit the competition website.