Calling All Pianists!

Applications are now open for Pianofest 2026, an intensive five-week summer program dedicated to exceptional artistry, deep musical growth, and performance at the highest level. We welcome applications from dedicated pianists in college or graduate school seeking an unparalleled summer experience.

Set amidst the natural beauty and social elegance of the Hamptons, Pianofest brings together outstanding young pianists and world-class faculty for a deeply immersive experience grounded in mentorship, collaboration, and artistic excellence.

————————————————

What Awaits You at Pianofest 2026

 Full Scholarship: All accepted students receive full tuition, room and board, plus a stipend.
 World Class Mentorship: Individual lessons and close artistic guidance from an internationally renowned faculty.
 Performance Opportunities: Regular concerts in beautiful venues throughout the Hamptons, offering meaningful stage experience.
 Immersive Musical Community: A focused environment for collaboration, exploration, and artistic exchange across the five-week session.
 

2026 Dates

NEW: One indivisible five-week session
June 22 – July 28, 2026
 

Esteemed Faculty

Paul Schenly, Founder and Director 
Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and internationally acclaimed soloist

Ursula Oppens
5-time Grammy Award nominee and legendary figure in contemporary music

Jerome Lowenthal
Iconic concert pianist and longstanding Juilliard faculty member, a direct link to Golden Age pianism (studies with Alfred Cortot, William Kapell, Eduard Steuermann, and more)

Pavel Nersessian
International prizewinner and acclaimed professor at New England Conservatory, Boston University, and Moscow Conservatory

Konstantin Soukhovetski
Award-winning pianist, composer, Juilliard faculty member, and longtime Pianofest Artist-in-Residence

~~~~~~~~~~~

Application Details

Deadline: Rolling admissions through April 1, 2026.
Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Requirements:

• A completed application form

• At least 45 minutes of video recordings representing at least
  three contrasting historical style periods

• A nonrefundable application fee

Alumni Accomplishments 

Pianofest alumni have excelled at the highest levels of the music world, winning top international competitions such as the Cliburn International Piano Competition, the Gilmore, and the Naumburg International Piano Competition. Many have gained global recognition with performances in prestigious venues, from Carnegie Hall to the Berlin Philharmonie. Several alumni have launched innovative projects, including The Anderson & Roe Piano Duo, the Concert Truck, and Hunter Noack’s In a Landscape series, bringing classical piano to new audiences.

Alumni have also achieved academic prominence, holding faculty positions at institutions like Juilliard, Curtis, and Peabody. Their accomplishments include Grammy-winning recordings, such as Michelle Cann’s celebrated recording of Florence Price’s Piano Concerto in 2024, and another in 2025 for an album of Price’s songs . Our alumni are recognized worldwide for groundbreaking contributions to classical music.

Help Us Spread the Word!

Know a pianist who would thrive in this environment? Forward this email or share the application page with them.

We look forward to welcoming the next generation of artists to Pianofest 2026.

Questions? Reply to this email or visit pianofest.com.