2027 Season
San Francisco InternationalPiano Competition
A world-class stage for pianists ages 4 to 35, with a live final in San Francisco.
Competition
Three divisions, one stage
Every pianist competes in the division for their age. Choose yours, read the guidelines, then apply.
Rising Talents
Ages 4 to 18Age-tiered categories from Rising Star to Senior, with free-choice repertoire and a live final in San Francisco.
Download Guidelines (PDF) →Young Artists
Ages 12 to 17 · NewA virtuosic etude, a classical sonata movement and a free-choice piece, with a live final on stage.
Download Guidelines (PDF) →Artists
Ages 18 to 35The senior division: a recorded preliminary and a full live final before a distinguished international jury.
Download Guidelines (PDF) →What winners receive
In cash prizes awarded across the divisions
Scholarships to the Bay PianoFest summer program
A winners' recital tour in San Francisco and Los Angeles
About the competition
The San Francisco International Piano Competition is an initiative of the Artcial Music Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Hosted at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, it connects young pianists with distinguished faculty from leading institutions and a global artistic community.
Artistic excellence, and a wider door to high-level music education.
Artcial Music Foundation
The Jury & Faculty
Distinguished artists
Past Winners
Hear the artistry
The companion program
Bay PianoFest
A summer festival of study and performance alongside the competition, with private lessons, daily masterclasses and faculty concerts at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Visit Bay PianoFest ↗Who can enter?
There are three divisions, each with its own age range: Rising Talents for ages 4 to 18, Young Artists for ages 12 to 17, and Artists for ages 18 to 35. Download the guidelines for the division you are considering to confirm the best fit.
When and where is the final round?
The final round and awards take place on August 2 to 3, 2027, live at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in San Francisco.
When do applications open and close?
Applications open in December 2026. Young Artists and Artists applications open on December 15, 2026. Early-bird pricing runs until April 1, 2027, and the final deadline is April 20, 2027.
How do I apply?
Choose your division, read its guidelines PDF, submit your video, then complete payment. The Apply page walks you through each step.
What happens before the final round?
Rising Talents: regional preliminaries take place in May and June 2027 in San Francisco, New York and Boston. The video deadline is June 1, and online finalists are announced on June 10.
Young Artists and Artists: online finalists are announced on May 15, 2027.
Can I change my repertoire after applying?
Yes. Repertoire changes are accepted until July 1, 2027.
Where do I find the repertoire requirements?
Each division has its own guidelines PDF with the repertoire and time requirements. The 2027 guidelines are being finalized and will be posted on the Competition page.
How is Bay PianoFest connected to the competition?
Bay PianoFest is the companion summer festival of lessons, masterclasses and faculty concerts. It has its own website at baypianofest.org.
Every young pianist deserves a stage worthy of their artistry.
Artcial Music Foundation
Applications open December 2026
Your place on the stage begins here
Choose your division and submit your application before the April 20, 2027 deadline.
Apply Now