Repertoire: International Piano Academy
Domestic/International Pianists, Ages 9 and Up.
2026 Festival Academy is open to all domestic and international pianists ages 9 and up. The application deadline is April 15, 2026 at 11:59pm HST. Only completed applications will be accepted. Applications open January 2026.
The Festival Academy takes place in Honolulu, HI from June 6 - 14, 2026. Participants study with world-renowned Festival Artists Robert Koenig, Jon Nakamatsu, and Lisa Nakamichi (AIPF’s Founder and Artistic Director), performing in masterclasses, and appearing as a soloist in the highly anticipated public concert that features other Festival participants.
Entry Requirements & Repertoire: Applicants must be at least 9 years old at the time of application submission. Completed applications must include a video recording via YouTube of two contrasting works of their choice, as well as a high-resolution color image and a bio up to but no more than 150 words. Admission to the Academy is based on this video performance.
​
Applicants may also apply to one or more Festival competitions. Please note that repertoire requirements differ by competition, and separate applications and fees are required.
​
For video requirements, please see here.
Tuition: US $550 due upon confirmation of acceptance; all participants will be notified by April 30.
Repertoire: In-Person Local Solo Competition
Hawaii Residents Only, Up to Age 18
The Local Solo Competition is open exclusively to local residents up to age 18. This in-person event takes place in Honolulu on June 6, 2026 and offers students an opportunity to perform live, connect with peers, and receive valuable feedback from distinguished Festival artists.
​
Applicants must submit their completed application, including a high-resolution color photo, as well as their application fee by no later than 11:59pm HST May 1, 2026. Applications will open January 2026. ​
​
Additionally, applicants, ages 9-18 only, who also wish to be considered for the International Piano Academy must submit a separate Academy application. The same repertoire may be used, provided it meets Academy requirements: two contrasting works of the applicant’s choice, performed from memory.
​
Repertoire:
​
Level A
Up to age 8 (no older than age 8 by June 6)
Repertoire: Up to 6 minutes of any solo work, from memory.
Level B:
Ages 9 – 11 (no younger than age 9 at the time of submission nor older than 11 by June 6)
Repertoire: Up to 10 minutes of any solo work, from memory. Program must include a piece from the baroque period OR a piece from the classical period.
Junior: ages 12 – 14 (no younger than 12 at the time of submission nor older than age 14 by June 6)
Repertoire: Up to 15 minutes of any solo work, from memory. Program must include a first or last movement of a classical sonata.
High School: ages 15 – 18 (no younger than age 15 at the time of submission nor older than age 18 by June 6)
Repertoire: Up to 15 minutes of any solo work, from memory. Program must include a first or last movement of a classical sonata.
​
For video requirements, please see here.
​
The following prizes will be awarded as follows:
1st Prize Level A: $100
1st Prize Level B: $200
1st Prize Junior: $300
1st Prize High School: $500
1st place winners of Level B, Junior, and High School will have the opportunity to perform in a masterclass given by a Festival artist during the week of June 6-14, 2026.
1st and 2nd place winners (all levels) will be invited to perform in the Honor’s Concert along with students of the Aloha International Piano Academy. Tentative date: Saturday, June 13, 2026. Venue: TBD
​
Non-refundable application fees:
US$80 – Junior & High School
US$50 – Levels A & B​
Repertoire: In-Person International
Amateur Solo Competition
Domestic/International Non-Professional Pianists, Over the Age of 30
The Amateur Solo Competition is open to all domestic and international non-professional pianists aged 30+.This in-person event takes place in Honolulu on June 6, 2026 and offers students an opportunity to perform live, connect with peers, and receive valuable feedback from distinguished artists.
Applicants must be age 30 or above at the time of application submission. Applicants must submit a video recording via YouTube along with their completed application, including a high-resolution color photo and a bio up to 150 words, as well as their application fee by no later than 11:59pm HST May 1, 2026. Applications open in January 2026.
​​
Repertoire: Applicants to the Amateur Solo Competition may submit up to 15 minutes of solo repertoire of their choice. Memorization is not required.
​
Applicants who also wish to be considered for the International Piano Academy must submit a separate Academy application. The same repertoire may be used, provided it meets Academy requirements: two contrasting works of the applicant’s choice, performed from memory.
​
For video requirements, please see here.
​
The non-refundable application fee: US$100​​
Repertoire: Virtual Solo Competition
Domestic/International Pianists, Up to Age 25
The Virtual Solo Competition is open to all domestic and international pianists up to age 25. Applicants must submit a video recording via YouTube along with their completed application, as well as their application fee by no later than 11:59pm HST June 1, 2026. Only completed applications will be accepted. Applications open January 2026. See here for video requirements.
Applicants, ages 9 and up, who also wish to be considered for the International Piano Academy must submit a separate Academy application. The same repertoire may be used, provided it meets Academy requirements: two contrasting works of the applicant’s choice, performed from memory.
​
Prizes will be awarded by June 15, 2026.
​
Non-refundable application fees:
US$100 – Junior, High School & Young Artist
US$80 – Levels A & B
​
Level A: up to age 8 (no older than age 8 by June 6)
Repertoire: Up to 6 minutes of any solo work, from memory.
Level B: ages 9 – 11 (no younger than age 9 at the time of submission nor older than 11 by June 6)
Repertoire: Up to 10 minutes of any solo work, from memory. Program must include a piece from the baroque period OR a piece from the classical period.
Junior: ages 12 – 14 (no younger than 12 at the time of submission nor older than age 14 by June 6)
Repertoire: Up to 15 minutes of any solo work, from memory. Program must include a first or last movement of a classical sonata.
High School (Pre-collegiate): ages 15 – 18 (no younger than 15 at the time of submission nor older than age 18 by June 6)
Repertoire: Up to 15 minutes of any solo work, from memory. Program must include a first or last movement of a classical sonata and a virtuosic etude of the applicant’s choice.
Young Artist (Collegiate): ages 18 – 25 (no younger than 18 at the time of submission nor older than age 25 by June 6)
Repertoire: Up to 20 minutes of any solo work. Concerto is not allowed. Program must include a first or last movement of a classical sonata and a virtuosic etude of the applicant’s choice.
​
For video requirements, please see here.
​
The following prizes will be awarded:
1st Prize Level A: $100
1st Prize Junior: $500
1st Prize High School: $1,000
1st Prize Young Artist: $1,000