In 1926, Dr. Walter B. Roberts, chairman of the Music Department of then Winthrop College, together with the rest of the music faculty held the first piano competition in Rock Hill, South Carolina.  The piano competition became so well known that vocal, strings and band categories were included to give more students the opportunity to perform and compete.  Because of this, the competition grew into a week long festival.  Due to large participation, Dr. Roberts and the music faculty of Winthrop College decided to let the Music Educators Association take over the festival.

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The mid 1960's found South Carolina piano teachers desiring increased opportunities for piano students.  This desire led to the formation of the South Carolina Piano Festival Association.

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