• JSO*YAC consists of two rounds: a complete recorded submission via Acceptd Round 1, and a live competition Round 2 of up to twelve finalists selected from Round 1.

• All movements of your select concerto must be uploaded via Acceptd by our Round 1 deadline of September 30, 2026.

• Your recorded piece must include audio and video of an entire concerto performance with accompaniment. Orchestral accompaniment and piano reductions with a collaborative pianist are both acceptable.  

• Types of video files must be one of the following: MP4, M4V, AVI, FLV, MOV, WMV, MPG, MPEG, M2V, MKV, WEBM.

• The JSO*YAC is open to musicians ages 23 years or under—applicants born on or after January 16, 2003. Our 2026-27 competition cycle is for classical pianists performing concerto repertoire or similar works..

• Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution or home-schooled.

• If you are unsure whether your exact situation qualifies, please contact our office for clarification. Previous first-place winners may not re-apply.

• Send inquiries to yac@jeffsymphony.org

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• The submitted piece, which needs to include all movements, must be one for which orchestral parts are generally available.

• Memorization of the entire piece is required for the Round 2 live competition and concert.

• Finalists for the live competition are responsible for their own travel expenses. Lodging and meals may be available with local host families on request. Contact jso.yac@gmail.com for details.

• Award Recipients (First, Second, and Third Place) — with accompanists — are required to perform their pieces at a public recital on the evening of the live competition in January.​

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• The First Place winner will appear as soloist with the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra. In addition:

  • The First Place winner must perform the same piece used to win the competition in Round 2 - the same piece submitted as a recording in Round 1.

  • The First Place winner is required to attend orchestra rehearsals on the Thursday evening and Saturday morning prior to the concert.

  • The First Place winner will be required to perform a 30-minute solo recital (performer’s choice of repertoire) for a public recital on the Friday preceding the Young Artists Concert.

• Travel costs are the responsibility of the award winner.

• Entry in the competition constitutes the entrant’s authorization to use his or her name, photograph and application information for publicity purposes. Recording of the concert performance becomes the property of the Jefferson Symphony.