Mahidol International Piano Festival 2026

"Cultivating the Pianists of Tomorrow"

July 24 – August 2, 2026 | College of Music, Mahidol University

Scholarships are available!


THE EXPERIENCE

Cultivating the Pianists of Tomorrow

The Mahidol International Piano Festival is a focused, high-level summer program designed for pianists preparing for conservatory study, competitions, and professional development.

Set on the campus of Mahidol University’s College of Music, one of Asia’s leading musical institutions, the festival offers a beautiful environment for practice, performance, and artistic refinement.

We combine intense conservatory training with the digital tools of the future. By partnering with leading instrument innovators, we provide a unique environment where students refine their repertoire, build their digital portfolios, and train with faculty from the world’s leading conservatories.

PROGRAM TRACKS

HOW TO APPLY

Young Artist Residency

(Ages 8-29) A focused training program designed for pianists preparing for conservatory auditions, competitions, and performances.

Note: Completion of the Parental Responsibility section is mandatory for all students under 20 years of age.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

Application Fee: 2,500 Bht
Tuition: 45,000 Bht

Scholarships are available!

APPLY NOW

Lunch & Dinner: Included daily at the Mahidol Food Court.

Participants receive:

  • Daily masterclasses with festival faculty
  • Private lessons
  • Workshops led by faculty and partners, including a digital strategy session from Google
  • Performance opportunities
  • Entry in the Festival Competition

Teaching Fellow Program

(For Regional Educators) A professional development track for educators seeking to expand their pedagogical approach and network.

Teachers applying with students should register early to ensure scheduling and accommodation for their studio.

Students applying through a Teaching Fellow may submit applications by the Teaching Fellow Program deadline of June 1st.

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

Tuition: 16,000 Bht
APPLY NOW

Tuition Waiver: Teachers who bring three or more students to the festival participate at no cost.

Teaching Fellows receive:

  • Access to all masterclasses
  • Participation in pedagogy roundtables with faculty
  • Workshops on studio development and digital communication
  • Certificate of participation from the festival

Family & Friends Program

(For Parents and Observers) Designed for parents accompanying younger students, music lovers, and students who wish to observe the artistic process without active participation.

Day Passes and Full Festival Passes are available for purchase online or on site.

“Early purchase is recommended to reserve your place.”.

Full Festival Pass: 11,000 Bht
Day Pass: 1,600 Bht
APPLY NOW

Cultural Tours: To be shared upon festival attendance confirmation.

Observers receive:

  • Reserved VIP seating at concerts
  • Opportunities to observe lessons (with permission)
  • Optional curated cultural excursions in Bangkok

Faculty & Leadership

Artist Faculty
And Mahidol Piano Faculty [for full list, click HERE]

Korak Lertpibulchai

Festival Director | Mahidol University

J.Y. Song

Festival Artistic Director | Mannes School of Music, New York

Eri Nakagawa

Festival Consultant | Mahidol University

Bruce Brubaker

New England Conservatory, Boston

Ksenia Nosikova

University of Iowa, Iowa City

Fernando Rossano

Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse, Paris

Albert Tiu

Yong Siew Toh, Singapore

Details

Our Details

THE VENUE & FACILITIES


Mahidol University, College of Music: A Center of Musical Excellence in Southeast Asia
Located in Bangkok’s metropolitan area, the College of Music at Mahidol University combines outstanding facilities with a quiet, self-contained campus ideal for focused study.

OUR PHILOSOPHY


International Standards, Modern Tools
The festival is grounded in the belief that advanced pianists need both artistic depth and contemporary skills to succeed in today’s classical music landscape.

Professional Recording & Digital Portfolio
Every participant receives high-quality video documentation of masterclasses and performances. These materials support college applications, competition entries, and professional development.

Sustainable Artistic Practice
Sustainable Performance The festival encourages intelligent practice, physical awareness, and long-term artistic resilience. Participants have access to movement sessions and injury-prevention workshops designed to build physical awareness and artistic resilience.

SCHOLARSHIPS


A limited number of scholarships are available for outstanding Young Artist applicants. These merit-based awards recognize exceptional musical potential and support students preparing for conservatory study, competitions, or early professional careers.

Eligibility & Criteria
All Young Artist applicants (ages 8–29) are eligible to apply for scholarship. Selection is based on:

  • Strength of audition video
  • Commitment to serious musical training
  • Personal Statement outlining artistic goals and how the festival supports the applicant’s development.

Expectations
Scholarship recipients are expected to participate fully in lessons, masterclasses, concerts, and festival activities.

CAMPUS LIFE & DAILY PROVISIONS


Participants will have access to the full range of campus facilities at Mahidol’s Salaya campus: practice rooms, concert halls, communal spaces, and beautiful grounds.

Meals

Young Artists: Lunch and Dinner are included daily in tuition.
Guests: A variety of fresh Thai and international dining options are available for purchase at multiple campus cafes and food courts, all within short walking distance.

Teaching Fellows and Observers may purchase meals à la carte, at the Music Square, the College of Music’s Cafeteria, the Mahidol Learning Center Food Court (MLC) or at the Pre-College building dining area, which provides flexible, affordable meal options throughout the day in a comfortable gathering space.

Accommodation

We have partnered with select local hotels to provide secure, preferred-rate housing for festival participants. A full housing guide is available upon acceptance.

Students 18 and under years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is the festival designed for?

The festival is intended for serious pianists ages 8-26, advanced pre-college students, and younger students who attend with family or a partner teacher. Participants should already have significant training and be comfortable with daily masterclasses and performances.

Do I need to audition to apply?

Yes. Applicants must submit two contrasting works via unlisted YouTube links. We evaluate musical potential, stylistic understanding, and overall artistic promise.

Is prior competition experience required?

No. The festival welcomes students with diverse backgrounds. Some participants will have competition experience; others will be preparing for their first major audition.

What level of English is required?

A high level of English fluency is not required. Lessons and masterclasses are conducted primarily in English, but faculty are accustomed to working with international students, including those from China, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

What is the daily schedule like?

A typical day includes:
• Morning practice
• Masterclasses or lessons
• Afternoon workshops on interpretation, technique, or professional development
• Evening concerts or recitals
Students should expect a full, focused schedule.

What performance opportunities are available?

All Young Artists are guaranteed a public performance. Additional opportunities include studio recitals, outreach concerts, and participation in the Festival Competition, with winners featured in the Final Concert.

Is housing provided?

Accommodation is not included in tuition, but we provide a curated list of recommended hotels, family-friendly options, and conservatory-adjacent lodging. Shuttle support is available for select partner hotels.

Dining details?

All Young Artists will receive lunch and dinner served in the festival’s dining facilities. In addition, the Music Square offers a variety of freshly cooked Thai and international dishes, coffee and beverage counters, and light snacks. It is conveniently located within the College of Music complex and designed as a comfortable gathering space for students and faculty. It provides flexible, affordable meal options throughout the day—ideal for participants who prefer to choose meals individually outside festival lunches and dinners.

Can parents attend?

Yes. Parents may join the Friends & Family Program, which offers access to concerts, select masterclasses, and optional cultural visits in Bangkok.

What is the Teaching Fellow Program?

This track is for regional educators and studio teachers. Fellows attend pedagogy roundtables, observe all masterclasses, and may accompany their students. Teachers who bring two or more students receive a full tuition waiver.

Is the festival safe for younger students?

Yes. Younger participants (ages 8–16) must attend with a parent or partner teacher. The Mahidol campus is self-contained and monitored, with dining, practice rooms, and performance venues all within a short walk.

What is the Festival Competition?

A competition is reserved for festival participants. All Young Artists may enter, and finalists perform in the concluding concert. A larger international competition is planned for future editions of the festival.

What is the "Digital Portfolio" component? Do I need technical skills?

No prior technical experience is required. This module, developed in partnership with Google, focuses on personal branding strategy. You will learn how to curate your online presence, manage artist assets, and navigate the digital music industry. The festival media team handles the actual filming and recording of your sessions.

What should I prepare for the audition recording?

Two contrasting pieces, recorded within the last 12 months. High-quality audio and video are preferred but not required.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. A limited number of Artist Scholarships are awarded to exceptional applicants. Teaching Fellows who bring two or more students receive a complete tuition waiver.

Is this festival suitable for students preparing for conservatory entrance?

Absolutely. The program is designed to support students preparing for applications to major conservatories in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Recording sessions, portfolio guidance, and faculty feedback are all part of the program.

When is the application deadline?

• Young Artists: April 15, 2026
• Teaching Fellows: June 1, 2026
• Observers: Rolling admission

How do I apply?

Submit the online application form, upload video links, and follow the instructions on our Apply page.

About

Festival Leadership
INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP

Dr. Piyawat Louilarpprasert

Dean, Mahidol University College of Music

Dr. Eri Nakagawa

Professor, Mahidol University College of Music
FESTIVAL DIRECTORS

Dr. Korak Lertpibulchai

Festival Director

Dr. J.Y. Song

Artistic Director
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Dr. Onpavee Nitisingkarin

Marketing & Public Relations

Dr. Tharach Wuthiwan

Sponsorship & Partnership

Junta Arakawa

International Relations

Rasikamon Siyapong

Festival Activities

Jaruda Tirachomsri

Competition & Community Relations