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
Piano Category
Brass Category
Second Prize
Piano Category
Brass Category
Third Prize
Piano Category
Brass Category
Recording Engagement
A recording engagement may be presented to up to 2 finalists.