Competitions
The Ruth P. Cogen Concerto Competition
The Ruth P. Cogen Competition was established by the Board of Trustees of Levine Music in 1983 to honor Ruth Cogen, one of the school’s founders and its first chair of the Board of Trustees. From 1984-1987, all students competed together in a single division. In 1988, the competition expanded to include separate piano and instrumental competitions with Junior (up to age 9), Intermediate (ages 10-13), and Senior Divisions (ages 14-18) for each. Contestants perform one movement of a concerto.
View the 2024 Cogen Concerto Competition Results
View past Cogen Concerto Competition Winners
This program has been made possible through the generous support of the Marinus and Minna B. Koster Foundation, Inc.
Marlin-Engel Solo Competition
The 2023-24 Marlin-Engel Solo Competition will take place on Sunday, April 21, 2024.
Application deadline: Monday, April 1, 2024 at 11:59 PM Apply
The Marlin-Engel Solo Competition was established by the Board of Trustees of Levine Music in 1980 to honor Jackie Marlin and Diana Engel, the school’s founders and co-directors from 1976 to 1980. Originally offering a single “Marlin-Engel prize,” the competition today offers awards in both piano and instrumental categories and three age divisions: Junior (up to age 9), Intermediate (ages 10-13), and Senior (ages 14-18). The first-place prize for piano is the Ida Canter Prize, established by Dr. Jane Loeffler and her family as a tribute to her grandmother. Contestants perform two solo works or movements that contrast in style and period.
View the 2023 Marlin-Engel Solo Competition Results
View past Marlin-Engel Solo Competition Winners
This program has been made possible through the generous support of the Marinus and Minna B. Koster Foundation, Inc.
Misbin Family Memorial Chamber Music Competition
The 2023-24 Misbin Family Memorial Chamber Music Competition will take place on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
Application deadline: Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 11:59 PM Apply
Presented by Washington Performing Arts and Levine to support the development of young artists and celebrate the lifelong creativity of D.C.-area performers, the Misbin Family Memorial Chamber Music Competition is open to instrumental chamber music students, adult amateurs, and professional musicians. Participants are adjudicated by a panel of judges made up of distinguished performers, teachers, and other recognized members of the greater Washington music community. Levine and non-Levine students are welcome to apply. Contestants perform one or two movements from a major work for chamber ensemble.
The competition is open to the public free of charge—an excellent opportunity to hear promising young artists in a varied program. Winners receive cash awards and opportunities to perform in prestigious venues across the Washington, D.C. metro region.
This competition is made possible by the generous support of Dr. Robert Misbin.
Charles Williams Voice Competition
Check back soon for application and deadline details for the 2023-24 competition.
Charles Williams began his teaching career at Levine in 1983, where he continued to be a force in the department until his passing in December 2022. Charles hailed performances from the world’s greatest stages, notably Broadway and the Metropolitan Opera. Many of his students have become notable performers and esteemed instructors. A consummate artist and forever teacher, Charles demanded of himself and each of his students the highest work ethic. Through this voice competition, we seek to identify and honor young singers who strive for that same excellence.
Named in honor of longtime Levine voice faculty member Charles Williams, this competition is open to Levine high school students ages 15-18. Contestants are to submit two pieces that contrast in style and period. No arias.
Irena Orlov Memorial Competition for Adult Piano Students
The 2023-24 Irena Orlov Memorial Competition will take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024.
Application deadline: Friday, January 12, 2024 at 11:59 PM Apply
Inaugurated in 2020, the Irena Orlov Memorial Piano Competition for Adult Students remembers and celebrates our beloved friend and faculty member, Irena Orlov. For over 30 years, Irena was a pillar of the piano department and Levine. During her remarkable career, she taught and mentored hundreds of students and faculty, helping each of them achieve their best.
Applicants must be Levine students in good standing, aged 18 and above, and enrolled in either private instruction for the 2023-24 academic year and/or one of Levine’s Adult Piano Performance Classes., and will compete in Intermediate and Advanced levels.