The Simon-Fiset Suite of Competitions
The Simon-Fiset Competitions were established to encourage young students to continue the serious study of music by acknowledging their exceptional ability, application, and meritorious accomplishment by awarding monetary prizes in the areas of composition, piano, and strings. The legacy of these outstanding opportunities represents one of SMTA’s premier offerings for young musicians in the Seattle area. We hope to see you and your students at next season’s Simon-Fiset!
Piano Division
The Simon-Fiset Piano Division is supported by a generous gift from Willard Schultz.
Thank you to all participants, teachers, and volunteers! You can find 2025 results and recognitions here.
Chair: Dr. Leann Osterkamp He
Event Dates: February 7 - 8, 2026
Location: Seattle Chamber Music Society
Registration:
January 5 - January 16 (10:00 pm PT no exceptions)*
*registration may close earlier if applicant capacity is reached prior to the end of the registration window
Contestants will be notified of their scheduled time at least two weeks prior to the event (if not earlier). Venue constraints and issues of equity/fairness prohibit any scheduling requests from contestants/teachers.
Guidelines:
2026 Guidelines Coming Soon
Click to download 2025 Guidelines
As the professional standard of this competition requires extensive effort and cost to ensure the utmost quality for students, all registration fees are final and nonrefundable.
SMTA is happy and proud to present the annual Simon-Fiset Piano Competition, which is scheduled for February 7-8, 2026. We are also thrilled that last year’s host, Seattle Chamber Music Society (“SCMS”) will again welcome us to their beautiful, state-of-the-art center in downtown Seattle at Union Square.
Registration and other details with be released as available. Please reach out to Dr. Leann Osterkamp He, SMTA’s Administrative Coordinator and Simon-Fiset Piano Competition Chair at simonfisetpiano@gmail.com.
Performance space at Chamber Music Society
Venue: Seattle Chamber Music Society
2026 Adjudicators:
Coming soon
Low Strings Division
Thank you to all who participated in the 2025 Low Strings Competition. Results are posted here.
Chair: Haeyoon Krentz
Event Date: TBD
Registration: TBD
Location: TBD
2026 Adjudicator: TBD
Please watch future Staccato Notes and the website for details and information on the dates, rules, and fees or contact Haeyoon Krentz at haeyoonsk12@gmail.com.
The Simon-Fiset Low Strings Competition is open to students ages 5-18 who have not graduated from high school.
High Strings Division
Thank you to all who participated in the 2025 competition. Results are here.
Chair: Jan Coleman
Event Date: TBD
Registration Dates: TBD
Location: TBD
2026 Adjudicator: TBD
For questions please contact Jan Coleman, the competition chair or email smtaoffice@gmail.com.
Composition Division
Thank you to all who competed in the 2025 competition. Results can be found here.
Chair: Peter Mack, NCTM
Registration Period: TBD
Winners Announced: TBD
Location: Online submissions
Rules/Guidelines:
Click here to view the 2025 Rules & Guidelines
Simon-Fiset Composition accepts submissions from students in grades 1-12 grouped into four divisions. New composers are encouraged to enter! All submissions require a complete PDF score of the composition and recordings are strongly encouraged (live instruments or digital). Students may submit more than one composition but must submit a separate application and fee with each submission. See the rules & guidelines linked above for more information.
All entrants receive age-appropriate positive and constructive written feedback from the adjudicator. Submissions receiving first through third places will receive a cash award. All students placing honorable mention or above will receive a certificate.
Contact the SMTA office for more information.