Competition Dates

December 5, 2026

 

Application Deadline

November 15, 2026

 

Early Bird Deadline

November 1, 2026

All deadline dates and times are based on Pacific Standard Time (PST). All applications must be submitted before 11:59 PM on the listed deadline dates.

 

Location

Irvine Conservatory of Music
4840 Irvine Blvd
Irvine, CA 92620

 

Eligibility

Open to pianists and string players ages 5–18.

 

Application Fee

$100/person — Early Bird
Early Bird Deadline: November 1, 2026

$110/person — Regular
Regular Deadline: November 15, 2026

All application fees are non-refundable.

 

Awards & Opportunities

Selected winners and outstanding participants will have the opportunity to receive recognition and participate in additional artistic development opportunities.

1. Competition Trophy & Certificate

All First, Second, and Third Prize winners, as well as selected Special Award recipients, will receive a competition trophy and official certificate recognizing their achievement. All contestants will receive written feedback from the judges.

2. Performance Opportunity at CSULB

The first prize winner in each age group for both Piano and Strings will be invited to perform at a special Winners Concert at Daniel Recital Hall, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), on December 6, 2026.

Performance opportunities are subject to final selection and scheduling.

Each winning student’s family will receive one complimentary ticket to the Winners Concert.

The winning student will be invited to perform at the Winners Concert at no additional cost.

Additional family members and guests are welcome to attend with General Admission tickets at $25 per person.

3. Eligibility to Apply for a Masterclass with Professor Melvin Chen

Selected winners will be eligible to apply for a masterclass with Professor Melvin Chen of Yale University.

Masterclass participation is subject to application, selection, availability, and applicable participation fees. Eligibility to apply does not guarantee admission.

4. Emerging Artists Program

Outstanding competition winners and selected participants may be invited to join the Emerging Artists Program (EAP).

EAP provides selected young artists with opportunities for:

• Professional artist recognition and online showcase
• Featured artist profile on the EAP website
• Professional feedback and mentorship
• Performance and educational opportunities
• Development of a stronger artistic portfolio for future academic and professional pursuits

Selection to the Emerging Artists Program is separate from competition placement and is not guaranteed solely by winning a prize.

 

Categories

Solo Piano & Strings      

 

Age Groups

As of September 1, 2026

The following age groups apply to both Piano and Strings.

Group A: Ages 5–7

Born between September 2, 2018 and September 1, 2021

Group B: Ages 8–10

Born between September 2, 2015 and September 1, 2018

Group C: Ages 11–14

Born between September 2, 2011 and September 1, 2015

Group D: Ages 15–18

Born between September 2, 2007 and September 1, 2011

 

Repertoire Requirements

The same age groups and repertoire requirements apply to both Piano and Strings.

Group A — Applicant’s choice of repertoire, maximum 3 minutes

Group B — Applicant’s choice of repertoire, maximum 4 minutes

Group C — Applicant’s choice of repertoire, maximum 5 minutes

Group D — Applicant’s choice of repertoire, maximum 6 minutes

If the performance exceeds the designated time limit, the judges reserve the right to stop the performance once the time limit has been reached.

 

Judging Criteria

Technique — 0–10 points

Accuracy, intonation, clarity, tone quality, articulation, and control

Interpretation — 0–10 points

Musicality, style, balance, tempo, rhythm, pedaling, and imagination

Musical Achievement — 0–10 points

Level of repertoire, stage presence, memorization, and artistry

Total: 30 points