Competitions
The Ruth P. Cogen Concerto Competition
The 2022-23 Cogen Concerto Competition will take place on Sunday, February 19, 2023.
Application deadline: Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 8 PM.
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 2022 Ruth P. Cogen 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 2022-23 Marlin Engel Solo Competition will take place on Sunday, April 16, 2023.
Application deadline: Thursday, March 16, 2023.
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 1976-1980. Originally offering a single “Marlin-Engel prize” the competition today offers awards in both piano and instrumental categories and in 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 2022 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 2022-23 Misbin Family Memorial Chamber Music Competition will take place on Sunday, April 30, 2023 and Winners’ Concert on Saturday, May 20, 2023 a 6 PM. Both events will take place at Levine’s Music DC Campus: NW.
Application deadline: March 26, 2023. View detail and application.
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—a great 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
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 most 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 of 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 Irena Orlov Memorial Competition, inaugurated in 2020, honors this highly distinguished piano teacher. Irena Orlov was a member of Levine Music’s piano faculty for almost three decades. Contestants must be Levine Adult students in good standing and enrolled in weekly private instruction for the full academic year, and will compete in two levels: Intermediate and Advanced.