YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM
The Young Artists Program of the Steinway Society of the Western Pennsylvania is unique, offering gifted young pianists from this area opportunities that are not provided by any other local organization. In addition to the various activities offered to students in the Young Artist Program, a Family Membership provides four tickets to each of the four professional artist recitals of our Piano Recital Series.
AUDITIONS
Saturday May 30st, 2026, 9:00am-5:00pm, and Sunday May 31st, 9:30am-5:00pm, at Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282. The Adjudicator is AljoĊĦa Jurinic, pianist. He is one of the performers in our Piano Recital Series.
ELIGIBILITY: Pianists up to age 18, or through their senior year in High School.
REQUIREMENTS: Each student must present:
- A memorized program of 5 to 15 minutes from concert level piano repertoire.
- A SSWPA membership of $150, plus $25 for each sibling.
- Teacher membership (single: $75, family: $125)
Acceptance into the SSWPA Young Artists program is contingent upon receiving both student and teacher membership; absolutely no exceptions.
The SSWPA membership includes 4 tickets for each of our concerts offered in our PIANO RECITAL SERIES 2026-2027, which will take place at Carnegie Mellon University, College of Fine Arts, Kresge Theatre, sponsored by the SSWPA. Attendance at performances featuring professional pianists is an excellent enhancement to the student's overall musical education. Therefore, we encourage all students to attend at least two recitals.
All students auditioning will be accepted into our program and will have the opportunity to perform in HONOR RECITALS, where they will receive a plaque and a certificate of recognition, and in MASTER CLASSES.
A small number of students will be selected to perform a short recital at HEINZ HALL GRAND LOBBY, before Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concerts featuring a piano concerto.
We are pleased to announce that starting in 2021, we instituted an Outstanding Artist Award, courtesy of the Melanie Schmidt Memorial Fund. This $200 award will be given to one student only, chosen by our adjudicator.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Fill out the APPLICATION FORM and return by May 16th, 2026, to:
SSWPA, P.O.BOX 103, Wildwood PA 15091-0103
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Enclose membership fee of $150 for one child, $175 for two children, $200 for three children, payable to SSWPA (check please)
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Enclose the teacher membership (single: $75, family: $125)
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If you wish, you may also e-mail your application as a WORD DOCUMENT to:
marinaschmidt@comcast.net
- Please choose a 3-hour window with a preferred audition time and day. We will try to meet your preference as closely as possible.
YOUNG ARTISTS HONOR RECITALS.
Open to all SSWPA Young Artists. The SSWPA Young Artists Honor Recitals will take place during the 2026-2027 season, at a location to be announced. The dates of these recitals will be announced in September 2026. Students can sign up with a program not longer than 10 minutes. The dress code for the Honor Recitals is semi-formal (suit or shirt and tie for boys, formal dress or gown for girls). Each performer will receive a plaque and a certificate of recognition.
MASTER CLASSES.
During the season we will offer (upon availability) master classes conducted by some of the Recital Series Artists, and some renowned local pianists, at a location to be announced.
PIANO RECITAL SERIES.
The SSWPA sponsors four professional piano recitals during the season, featuring nationally and internationally renowned artists. The SSWPA family membership of $150 includes 4 tickets for each of these concerts.
Please contact Marina Lupinacci, at marinaschmidt@comcast.net or 412-551-4569, for any questions, and concerns.