Charles Joray is a retired public library director living in Indianapolis. Having studied piano for many years, he continues to enjoy accompanying musicians and vocalists and church choirs. Piano music has always been a very important part of his life.
The purpose of the Charles Joray Piano Competition is to recognize and reward piano students who have progressed in their studies and have promise for future excellence. Assuming that piano students at public universities have many opportunities to participate in competitions, the Charles Joray Piano Competition strives to honor those from the private colleges and universities in Indiana.
This is the eighth year of this competition.
2026 Competition
To Be Announced
Students who are currently attending a private college in Indiana and are studying piano with a faculty member. This competition is open to undergraduate students – freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. (Students do not have to be music majors.)
Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
Applicants must submit a YouTube video in which they perform two contrasting pieces from different stylistic periods. Video must show the performer and piano. The performer should announce the title and composer of each selection. Complete selections must be recorded. For the preliminary competition, music must be memorized.
YouTube videos will be judged by a screening jury of three qualified judges who will select six finalists.
Participants must perform from memory two contrasting pieces from different stylistic periods. The musical selections do not have to be the same ones as performed in the preliminary competition. Individual movements from larger works are acceptable. Repeats are at the discretion of the performer. Total performance time for both pieces should not exceed 20 minutes.
Finalists will be judged by three qualified judges. All finalists will receive written feedback from each adjudicator following the competition. The decision of the judges will be final.
Participants are welcome to listen to the other finalists. Family and friends of the finalists are also welcome. Admission is free.
Each finalist must bring three copies—one for each of the three judges—of the music he/she will perform. The music will be returned at the end of the competition.
1st place winner will receive $1,500
2nd place winner will receive $1,000
3rd place winner will receive $500
The remaining three finalists will each receive $150
Interested students can apply using the form at the link below
All applicants will be notified of their status. Finalists will be given their performance time.
Day of Final Competition
Beginning at 12:00 p.m.
Location: Baker Recital Hall, Philippe performing Arts Center, Indiana Wesleyan University, 4201 S. Washington Street, Marion, Indiana 46953
Finalists should arrive at least one-half hour before their scheduled performance time. A warm-up piano will be provided.
Sponsoring agent reserves the right to take photographs of participants for future marketing purposes.
