Competitions
clef aims to support and encourage music among young musicians throughout New Zealand by offering a diverse range of educational activities and performance opportunities. In addition to this, the Foundation promotes classical music to the wider public whilst introducing listeners to some of the incredible talents within New Zealand and abroad.
The Foundation currently undertakes a range of projects that offer unique opportunities to musicians from Primary, Intermediate, Secondary and Tertiary levels.
2026 COMPETITION UPDATE
The Chiron Lewis Eady Foundation is delighted to announce that the Lewis Eady Junior National Piano Competition will take place this year.
This event is the pre-eminent Piano Competition in New Zealand for aspiring pianists who are currently studying at either Intermediate or Secondary School in New Zealand and is only made possible through the generous support of Lewis Eady Ltd – New Zealand’s only Steinway dealership.
Key dates are as follows:
1st March 2026 Rules and Competition entry forms available online.
1st May 2026 Entries open
15 May 2026 Entries close at 5pm
1st June 2026 Semi Finalists announced.
15 – 18 July 2026 Competition dates.
-
The Lewis Eady Junior Music Contest (LEJMC) for Piano is a performance opportunity for children at all levels of musical achievement.
Open to primary and intermediate school students, the LEJMC aims to encourage young musicians to perform and thereby gain valuable performance experience and confidence.
A presentation ceremony concludes the event where each performer is acknowledged with a gold, silver or bronze certificate. Professional contest adjudicators also provide constructive and encouraging written comments for all performances.
LEJMC FOR PIANO > -
The biennial Lewis Eady National Junior Piano Competition (LENJPC) gives pre-tertiary pianists the opportunity to compete for prizes totalling over $4000.
Open to full-time secondary school students who are New Zealand citizens, New Zealand residents, or have studied in New Zealand for a minimum of two years.
The preliminary adjudicator selects up to 16 students from submitted DVD auditions to participate in the competition.
Competitors perform a 20-minute recital programme of their choice with at least three musical periods.
The adjudicator selects only six competitors to compete in the final round. -
The Lewis Eady National Piano Competition brings together up to 16 of New Zealand's finest young pianists for an intensive and inspiring two days of music-making.
Since 2013, this biennial competition has inspired, surprised, and delighted music enthusiasts.
Open to applicants up to 28 years who are New Zealand citizens, New Zealand residents, or have studied in New Zealand for a minimum of two years.
Each competitor performs two 30-minute recital programmes of their choice. The repertoire must include a work by a New Zealand composer.
The adjudicator selects three competitors to compete in the grand final. -
The Lewis Eady International Piano Festival presents recitals from international concert pianists, piano masterclasses and workshops, and includes the Lewis Eady National Junior Piano Competition (LENJPC), open to pre-tertiary students around New Zealand.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
