Information and Registration
1 p.m., Sunday, February 22, 2026
Salisbury House & Gardens (4025 Tonawanda Drive, Des Moines IA 50312)
Presented by: Stretto Arts
Sponsored by: Museum of Danish America, Salisbury House & Gardens, West Music Des Moines Piano Gallery
Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Des Moines Area Piano Festival, a professionally-adjudicated performance opportunity for students in a friendly, welcoming environment.
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After 6 joy-filled years of administering the Festival, Mobile Music Lessons is pleased to share that the Des Moines Area Piano Festival is transitioning to Stretto Arts, led by Rosa and Dr. Marion Scott! Registration details coming soon at strettoarts.com. With questions, please email Des Moines Area Piano Festival Directors Dr. Marion and Rosa Scott at marionpiano@gmail.com and rvcscott@gmail.com
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About the Festival:
The fifth annual Festival will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the Salisbury House & Gardens. Pianists in grades K-12 from the Des Moines metro area (Des Moines and all surrounding suburbs) are invited to participate. The Victor Borge Legacy Award Competition will be held in conjunction with the Des Moines Area Piano Festival. Total 2026 participants will be capped at 54. In the case of inclement weather, the Festival may switch to a virtual platform.
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Approximate Schedule:
1-3:15 p.m.: Auditions (including Victor Borge Legacy Award auditions)
3:30-4 p.m.: Master Class
4-4:30 p.m.: Seminar
4:30 p.m.: Announcement of the winners of the Victor Borge Legacy Award
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Entrance:
To register, please visit strettoarts.com.
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Audition Information:
Please arrive early for your assigned audition time and enter and exit quietly to respect fellow participants.
Respectable decorum is expected from all Festival participants, families and instructors. Individuals that do not display respectable decorum will be asked to leave, and refunds will not be granted.
You are welcome to stay and listen to others' auditions. All are encouraged to stay for the seminars (see schedule above). All entrants should bring their score (with measures numbered) to the audition.
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Memorization:
Memorization is required for participants in the Victor Borge Legacy Award Competition, as winners must perform memorized in a future winners' recital and memorization is a critical component of professional piano careers.
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Victor Borge Legacy Award Competition:
If the participating Piano Festival entrant is at an advanced playing level and in grades 8-12, they are invited to participate in the Victor Borge Legacy Award Competition at the 2026 Des Moines Area Piano Festival. No additional repertoire is required, and the student will be adjudicated as part of his/her Piano Festival audition. Victor Borge entrants must memorize their technical exercises and repertoire piece (limited to one piece).
Previous second place Victor Borge Legacy Award winners are eligible to enter; previous first place Legacy Award winners are ineligible to enter. First and second place winners will receive an award of $1,000 and $500, respectively, which will be given to the winners after they perform at least two memorized, classical pieces (10 minutes total) in a recital on the Victor Borge piano at the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa. Failure to perform in the recital will result in forfeiting the award money. In addition, winners will submit a 500-word essay about the legacy of Victor Borge, which will be judged by a panel that includes Borge's daughter, Janet Borge Crowle, for an additional $500 cash prize.
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Funding for the Victor Borge Legacy Award is provided through a generous gift from R. James and Janet Borge Crowle, Saint Michaels, Maryland. Additional support provided by the Charles W. and Norma J. Wilson Foundation and the Eric & Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust.
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Questions:
With questions, please email Des Moines Area Piano Festival Directors Dr. Marion and Rosa Scott at marionpiano@gmail.com and rvcscott@gmail.com​