Opens December 2026Applications are open

Your place on the stage

Applying takes four simple steps. Have your recording and proof of date of birth ready, and you can finish in one sitting.

Final deadline: April 20, 2027 Early-bird pricing until April 1
Portal opens December 2026 Open the Application Portal Contact Us

How it works

Four steps to apply

1

Choose your division

Rising Talents is for ages 4 to 18, Young Artists for ages 12 to 17, and Artists for ages 18 to 35.

Eligible pianists may apply to both Rising Talents and Young Artists. If chosen as a Young Artists finalist, you continue in Young Artists only.

2

Read the guidelines

Each division has its own repertoire and time requirements.

Rising Talents PDF Young Artists PDF Artists PDF
3

Prepare your performance

Record your preliminary round and upload it to YouTube, then add the link to your application.

Rising Talents can also choose a live regional preliminary in San Francisco, New York or Boston in May and June 2027.

4

Complete and pay

Fill out the application form, upload your documents, pay the application fee, and press submit to finish your registration.

Before you start

What you will need

Your performanceA YouTube link to your preliminary recording, or your chosen regional live date.
Proof of date of birthA scan of the first page of your passport, your birth certificate, or other government-issued ID.
Application feePaid online as the last part of the form.

Key dates

Mark your calendar

Applications openDecember 2026
Early-bird endsApril 1, 2027
Final deadlineApril 20, 2027
Final roundAugust 2 to 3

Ready to apply?

The application portal opens in December 2026. Questions in the meantime? We are happy to help.

Open the portal to start your application. You can save your progress and come back.

Portal opens December 2026 Open the Application Portal Contact Us

Looking for the summer festival? Visit baypianofest.org ↗