About the Competition and Institute

Two opportunities to participate!

Competition Track

First Round: Up to thirty-two contestants (divided into two age groups) will be selected to record in Steinway & Sons locations worldwide in March-April, 2023. First Round performances will be broadcast by Piano Cleveland in July.

Semi-Final Round: Thirteen young artists will be invited to Cleveland for the Semi-Final Round: three contestants from the Rising Star Division (ages 10-12) and five pianists from each of the Junior (ages 13-15) and Senior (ages 16-18) Divisions. All Semi-Finalists will have the unique opportunity to perform solo recitals and collaborate with professional chamber musicians.

Final Round: Six finalists — three from the Junior Division and three from the Senior Division — will participate in a one-of-a-kind Masterclass with [ARTIST], as well as perform concerto movements with The Canton Symphony Orchestra.

The Semi-Final and Final Rounds will take place from July 24 – August 1, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Institute Track

Presented by Piano Cleveland and hosted by the Cleveland Institute of Music, this unique institute will provide exceptional training for pianists ages 13-18. Students will learn from high-level faculty through private lessons and masterclasses, as well as take part in workshops on competition preparation, applying for higher musical education, and building a musical career.

Faculty includes the esteemed jury of the CIPC for Young Artists, listed here. Additional faculty includes Piano Cleveland Artistic Director Yaron Kohlberg, select faculty from the Cleveland Institute of Music and other guests, who will be announced in Fall 2026.