Piano 2025

The Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition at Oberlin

About the Competition

The Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition brings some of the world’s most talented young musicians to the campus of Oberlin College and Conservatory every summer. Alternating years feature a competition for violinists and a competition for pianists.

The 2025 piano competition will take place from Friday, July 18 through Thursday, July 24.

Eligibility

Young pianists (ages 13-18) who have not yet enrolled in college, and who have not won one of the top three prizes in a previous Cooper competition are eligible to perform. Approximately 20 pianists will be accepted to the Competition.

Prizes*

First Prize: $20,000
Second Prize: $10,000
Third Prize: $5,000
Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Prizes: $1,500 each
Audience Prize: $500

The top three finalists will also be awarded full four-year tuition scholarships to Oberlin Conservatory, pending admission.

*The jury reserves the right to withhold an award; in the event of a tie, the prize money of the prize won and that of the next prize(s) in the ranking will be added up and distributed equally.