About the Young Artist Program

The Young Artist 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. Learn more about auditioning for the Young Artist program here.

Students audition for the Young Artist Program in the spring of each year. All students auditioning are accepted into our program and will have the opportunity to perform in Honors Recitals, where they will receive a plaque and a certificate of recognition, as well as in Master Classes.

A number of auditioning students will be selected to perform a short recital at the Heinz Hall Lobby, often before Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concerts featuring a piano concerto.

Each Young Artist's family is entitled to 4 free tickets to each of the recitals on the Artist Recital Series. Attendance at performances featuring professional pianists is an excellent enhancement to the student's overall musical education. Therefore, we expect all Young Artists to attend at least two recitals.

In 2021, an Outstanding Artist Award was created, courtesy of the Melanie Schmidt Memorial Fund. This $200 award will be given to one auditioning student only, chosen by the adjudicator.

Young Artists Honors Recitals

Open to all SSWPA Young Artists, the 2025-26 Honors Recitals will take place at (TBA). Students should sign up with a memorized program not longer than 10 minutes. Dress code for the Honors Recitals is evening attire (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

Throughout the season, we offer (upon availability) master classes conducted by the Recital Series artists and renowned local pianists.