Piano Inspires Kids

A Magazine for Pianists 8-14

Announcing: 2027 Outer Space Music Composition Contest

Create Outer Space Music for the Summer 2027 Issue of Piano Inspires Kids

Create a piano solo with a galactic theme! There is so much to explore in outer space—stars, planets, rockets, aliens, or even the vastness beyond. Winners will be featured in the Summer 2027 issue of Piano Inspires Kids.

Submission Deadline: March 15, 2027.

Go to kids.pianoinspires.com/submit for more information.

  • Short description of how outer space has inspired your composition (maximum 100 words)
  • Composition score
  • Video performance of the work, performed by the composer
  • The competition is open for any student pianist age 18 or younger at the time of the deadline. Students will be divided into 4 divisions: ages 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18. The magazine reserves the right to elect one winner, more than one winner, or no winner.
  • The composition must be for solo piano, at any level of difficulty (16 to 54 measures in length).
  • Scores that reference copyrighted material will be excluded from review.
  • Compositions must not be created with the use of artificial intelligence.
  • Brainstorm outer space themes. 
  • Use imagery to determine the character, mood, and musical form.
  • Decide on the meter and specify a time signature. 
  • Have clear musical ideas (themes or motifs) that use a rhythm, melody, or harmony that repeats or varies.
  • Have parts that repeat and parts that contrast.
  • Keep it simple – less is more!
  • Scores must be computer generated using music-notation software. 
  • The quality of notation does factor into adjudication. 
  • Scores must be submitted as a PDF, sized for 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
  • Scores must include a title and composer first name only. 
  • Entrants are encouraged to include the following in the score: tempo markings, dynamics and articulation, other expressive marks, and fingerings. 
  • Submitters must subscribe to Piano Inspires Kids.
  • The composer must be the sole author of the submitted composition but may receive help in notating their work. 
  • Adjudication is based upon: connection of music to outer space theme, formal construction, pianistic writing, and quality of performance. 
  • No changes may be made once the materials have been submitted.
  • Decisions of competition judges are final.
  • There are no monetary awards given to winners. Winning compositions will be printed in Piano Inspires Kids and posted at kids.pianoinspires.com. 

Submission Deadline: March 15, 2027.

Want More Inspiring Content?

Join our community of inspired music makers. Subscribe to Piano Inspires Kids and explore the world through the music, cultures, and people that connect us to one another. 

Subscribe Create Free Account Login

Follow us on social media!

Piano Inspires Piano only logo

Like this article?

Explore our magazine issues for more sample content!

View Issues

Discovery Blog

Teaching with Piano Inspires Kids: Five Ways It Comes to Life at the New School for Music Study

Piano Inspires Kids (PIK) guides how we coordinate instruction across group classes. Each themed issue informs our planning, with short readings that spark activities and longer-term projects that deepen learning over time. In this way, technique, theory, repertoire, and creative work remain connected and meaningful.

Continue Reading Teaching with Piano Inspires Kids: Five Ways It Comes to Life at the New School for Music Study