Cultivating the Next Generation of Pianists
Calling all young pianists between the ages of 7-18! The Friends of the Brentwood Library group is proud to present the James Weldon Johnson & J. Rosamond Johnson Youth Piano Competition. As a participant in this prestigious competition, you'll not only commemorate the 126th Anniversary of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" - an anthem that has resonated across generations and holds a significant place in American history - but also get a chance to showcase your talent, passion and dedication to the art of piano performance. Plus, you could win cash prizes!
The event takes place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, in the Hicks Auditorium at Main Library. To enter, you'll first need to submit a high-quality video recording of the required repertoire.
Submission Deadline
Submissions are due by January 24, 2026. Entry Fee: $25. The competition is open to individuals of all backgrounds and experiences in an effort to promote diversity and inclusivity in classical, jazz, showtunes, and spiritual music.
Make cashier check payable to FOBL (Memo: Entry Fee) and mail to:
FOBL, Inc.
P.O. Box 3660, Jacksonville, FL 32206
Questions?
- Call (904) 520-4194
- Email jwjlifteveryvoice@gmail.com
- Visit the Friends of Brentwood Library website
Cash Prizes
Participants will receive a notable historical certificate for participating and winners in each age group will receive cash prizes in the amounts shown below:
Young Pianists (ages 7-10):
- $100 for 1st Place
- $75 for 2nd Place
- $50 for 3rd Place
Junior Pianists (ages 11-14):
- $300 for 1st Place
- $200 for 2nd Place
- $100 for 3rd Place
Senior Pianists (ages 15-18):
- $500 for 1st Place
- $300 for 2nd Place
- $200 for 3rd Place
Competition Structure
Eligibility: Open to pianists of all nationalities within the specified age categories:
- Young Pianists, performance time is limited to up to eight minutes
- Junior Pianists, performance time is limited to up to 10 minutes
- Senior Pianists, performance time is limited to up to 15 minutes
Submission Format
To compete, submit a high-quality video recording of the required repertoire. The video must be good enough to see and hear the applicant’s performance. We recommend placing the recording devices 6-7 feet away from the performer(s). Contestants must show an upper or full body and have adequate lighting to see their faces the piano and their full range of motion. Please submit videos in a mp1 video format. Note: Applicants must not edit or enhance video performance in any way.
Repertoire Requirements
All contests are required to perform:
- “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (at their level). Composer: Written by James Weldon Johnson and set to music by his brother J. Rosamond Johnson.
- Their choice of a Classical or Spiritual from their repertoire (up to three).
Performance Rubric & Judging
The jury is comprised of noted musical artists from Jacksonville, FL. The jury reserves the right to award a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize in each age category. The results of the jury are final and cannot be overturned. They will be looking at:
- Performance: Musical effect, poise, memorization,
- Interpretation: Dynamics, phrasing styling/Mood, balancing
- Musicianship: Feeling for meter, steadiness, tempo, expression, range of dynamics
- Accuracy: Note accuracy, rhythmic accuracy continuity fluency, dynamics/tempo indications
- Technique: Coordination, fingering, tone quality, facility, appropriate touch/pedaling
Please note: By participating in the Friends of the Brentwood Public Library James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson Youth Piano Competition, participants’ parents/legal guardians agree to forfeit the right for any financial remuneration regarding eventual publication and/or distribution of music video recordings on CD, DVD, publications and the internet. Participants also agree to allow the Friends of the Brentwood Public Library James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson Competition to use photos or images taken online and live competition hosted by the Friends of the Brentwood Public Library, Inc.
By entering this competition, participants/parents accept all conditions set forth above. The Friends of the Brentwood Public Library have the right to change these terms & conditions at any time. Participants/parents will be notified if any changes occur.
