In 1986, the Terrace Hill Endowment for the Musical Arts (THEMA) established the Terrace Hill Piano Competition.

The competition is held at the Iowa PBS studios in Johnston, Iowa. The 2024 competition was held on Saturday, February 10.

Junior Piano Competition

All entrants must be in grades 9-11. First, second, and third place winners will be named. Awards are generously supported by Bill and Joan Scherle. 

  • Winners will receive awards as follows:
    • First place: $250
    • Second place: $150
    • Third place: $100

Any of the three top winners may be invited to perform at future Terrace Hill events.

Senior Piano Competition

All entrants must be Iowa high school seniors. First, second, and third place winners will be awarded, with the first-place winner receiving the First Family of Iowa Scholarship, to be used any Iowa college or university. Each winner must enroll as a piano major or minor. This requires piano lessons and at least one music class for a minimum of three semesters.

  • Scholarship amounts for 2024 are:
    • First place: $4,000
    • Second place: $2,000
    • Third place: $1,000

Any of the scholarship winners may be invited to perform at future Terrace Hill events.

Join the Terrace Hill Piano Competition Email List

Announcements and competition updates are posted on this website and sent via email. 

Piano teachers who wish to be added to the distribution list should contact Terrace Hill Administrator Molly Thompson at molly.thompson@governor.iowa.gov.