Department of Music, Theatre & Dance
Prairie View A&M University
Proudly Presents
2026 PianoFest

poster graphic for the 2026 piano fest

Participants will have the opportunity to study with distinguished piano educators through masterclasses and lectures on composition, piano ensemble and Hymetation (hymn and meditation). The festival will include a piano competition with cash prizes awarded to the winners. The day will conclude with a faculty recital followed by the winners’ recital and awards.

  •  Lunch (Pizza) will be provided for the participants. Observers can purchase lunch at the cafeteria on their own.
  • An Observer Division is available for teachers and community members who wish to attend without active participation.
  • The deadline to apply for the participants and register for the observer division is Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
    • Registration Link will be available in January 2026
  • For questions contact Dr. Jayoung Hong: Jahong@PVAMU.edu

Young Artists Division

  • Open to pianists in Grades 5–12.
  • Participants must pay the $40 application fee, complete the online application and perform two memorized solo works from contrasting style periods (original solo piano compositions only and performance time limit is 13 minutes).
  • Only accepting the first 30 applicants for this year
  • Categories:
    • Grade 5/6
    • Grade 7/8
    • Grade 9/10
    • Grade 11/12
  • Participants may choose not to compete.
  • Competition Awards
    • Grand Prize: $500 — awarded to one performer selected from all category winners
    • First Prize: $200
    • Second Prize: $100
    • Third Prize: $50
    • Honorable Mention

Observers Division

Open to the general public and teachers wishing to observe any festival activities. Those interested must complete the online application. The Fee is $20.

Guest Artists and Faculty

Jayoung Hong Headshot

Dr. Jayoung Hong

Dr. Danny Kelley

Dr. Danny Kelley

Dr. John Cornelius II

Dr. Daniel Pardo Headshot

Dr. Daniel Pardo

Gloria Hsu Headshot

Gloria Hsu