Becoming an OVATION Artist

Please note that applications for our 2026/2027 Year are now closed - Audition Applications for our 2027/2028 Year will open in July 2027

Are You Ready for the Stage?

OVATION is designed for concert-ready advanced pianists who are ready to take the next step in their development as performing artists.

We are looking for artists who have developed a strong foundation of technical and musical skills and are ready to move beyond their repertoire. OVATION Artists are students who are prepared to perform at a high level and want to develop the artistic, professional, and personal skills needed to become confident and compelling concert artists.

Who Should Apply?

OVATION is intended for advanced pianists who:

  • Have completed RCM Level 10 or higher, or demonstrate an equivalent standard of playing.

  • Are concert-ready and capable of preparing and performing advanced repertoire at a high level.

  • Have a strong foundation in piano technique, musicianship, and performance.

  • Are passionate about performing and want to gain more experience as a concert artist.

  • Are committed to developing their artistic identity and learning what it means to present themselves professionally.

  • Are motivated, dependable, and willing to take ownership of their musical development.

  • Are interested in exploring music as a future career, or simply want to reach a higher level as a performing artist.

The Application Process

Becoming an OVATION Artist is a selective process. Each applicant is considered individually based on their playing, experience, potential, and readiness for the program.

Applicants must complete the following:

1. Meet the Minimum Playing Level
Applicants must have completed RCM Level 10 or higher, or demonstrate an equivalent level of technical and musical ability.

2. Teacher Recommendation
Applicants must submit a recommendation letter from their current piano teacher. The recommendation should speak to if the applicant is concert-ready and why.

4. Submit an Essay
Applicants must submit a 250–500 word essay titled “Why I Want to Be an OVATION Artist.” This is your opportunity to tell us what draws you to OVATION, what you hope to gain from the program, and where you see yourself going as a pianist and performing artist. We aren't looking for the “perfect” answer. We want to hear your voice, your goals, and what makes you excited about becoming an OVATION Artist.

5. Audition Video
All applicants are required to audition for the program. The audition gives us an opportunity to hear you perform and assess your current level of playing, musicality, technical ability, stage readiness, and potential for growth within OVATION.
The Audition Video must include:
- Your Name
- Introduction to your pieces
- 2 Contrasting pieces of music, no longer than 10 minutes total.

What Makes an OVATION Artist?

Being an OVATION Artist is about more than playing difficult repertoire.

We are looking for artists who are ready to be heard.

An OVATION Artist is someone who wants to step onto the stage with confidence, communicate meaningfully through their music, and continue developing both their artistry and their understanding of what it means to be a concert artist.

Throughout the program, Artists will have opportunities to develop skills beyond the piano—including performance, communication, presentation, professional development, and connecting with audiences and the wider music community.

You may already be performing regularly. You may have competed, participated in festivals, or performed in recitals and concerts. Or you may simply know that you are ready for something more.

You don't have to know exactly where music will take you. You just have to be ready to take the next step.

Ready to Become an OVATION Artist?

If you are an advanced, concert-ready pianist who is ready to challenge yourself, expand your experience, and grow as a performing artist, we want to hear from you.

2027/2028 Applications will open in July 2027