2026 Competition

April 3rd Application Deadline
April 24th Semi-Finals
April 25th Finals

Piano | Brass

Discovering the next generation of concert artists.

2026 Piano | Brass
2027 Violin | Woodwinds
2028 Cello | Viola, Contrabass

CYAS presents the California Young Artists Competition, a 3-round competition seeking to discover the next generation of soloist artists. 

Artists compete for over $4,000 in cash prizes and an opportunity to perform as soloists with CYAS in the upcoming season.

2026 Competition Schedule

Preliminary Round

April 3rd 2026
Application and Recording Submission

The preliminary round consists of a submission of the artist’s Bio, CV, and a video recording of a single movement of the artist’s concerto selection and two compulsory works.

Advancing candidates are announced April 10th. 

Semi-Final Round

April 24th
Concerto Audition
8 to 10 semi-finalists

The semi-final round consists of a 25-minute audition performance of the artist’s concerto repertoire selection.

Candidates advancing to the final round are announced shortly after each division concludes.

Final Round

April 25th
Finalist Recital and
Awards Ceremony
4 to 5 finalists

The final round consists of a 40-50 minute live performance of a single movement of the artist’s concerto selection, one of the preliminary round compulsory pieces, and additional repertoire of the artist’s choosing. 

Winners are announced in the evening at the closing awards ceremony.

Awards

Over $4,000 in prizes…

First Prize

CYAS Soloist Engagement

$ 1,500

Piano Category

$ 1,200

Brass Category

Second Prize

$ 600

Piano Category

$ 500

Brass Category

Third Prize

$ 400

Piano Category

$ 300

Brass Category

Recording Engagement
A recording engagement may be presented to up to 2 finalists.