Los Angeles Youth Classical Competition for Piano and Strings

Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026

Location:
Fried Music
7 N 3rd Street
Alhambra, CA 91801

Schedule:
Individual time slots will be announced on January 5, 2026.
Please note that specific time requests cannot be guaranteed. Participants are strongly encouraged to keep the entire day available for the competition.

Warm-Up Rooms:
Warm-up rooms will be provided up to 30 minutes prior to each performer’s assigned time slot.
All participants must check in upon arrival to receive their designated warm-up room.

All prizewinners receive a trophy and certificate. Select first prizewinners will be considered for future professional performance opportunities.

Winter Intensive participants are eligible to receive special recognition at the judge’s discretion.

First, second, and third prizes will be awarded in each division and category. Ties or instances in which a prize is not awarded may occur. All jury decisions are final.

Piano Division

• Category A: First Prize $100 Cash Award

• Category B: First Prize $250 Cash Award

• Category C: First Prize $500 Cash Award

Strings Division

• Category A: First Prize $100 Cash Award

• Category B: First Prize $250 Cash Award

• Category C: First Prize $500 Cash Award

Cash awards will be mailed as checks following the jury’s final decisions at the conclusion of the competition day.

The competition is divided into two primary divisions: Strings and Piano. Each division is judged independently.

The Strings Division includes the following instruments: violin, viola, and cello. Competitors in this division will be grouped according to age category only and not by instrument.

The Piano Division is adjudicated separately from the Strings Division. The same age categories apply to pianists.

Age Categories

All participants will compete within one of the following age categories:

• Category A: Ages 6–9

• Category B: Ages 10–13

• Category C: Ages 14–18

Participants must register under the age category corresponding to their age as of January 18, 2026, the official date of the competition.

Current students of the jury are not eligible to compete.

Repertoire is free choice for all divisions and categories. Participants are encouraged to select works that best demonstrate their musicality, technical command, and overall artistry.

String players must bring a pianist if performing a work that requires accompaniment.

Please bring at least one copy of your music for the jury.

Category A (Ages 6–9)

• Maximum performance time: 5 minutes.

• If the selected piece is significantly shorter than 5 minutes, applicants may include an additional piece to utilize the full time allotment.

• If the repertoire exceeds 5 minutes, the jury reserves the right to stop the performance at the time limit without penalty.

Category B (Ages 10–13)

• Maximum performance time: 5 minutes.

• The same regulations regarding additional or over-length repertoire apply as stated above.

Category C (Ages 14–18)

• Maximum performance time: 7 minutes.

• The same regulations regarding additional or over-length repertoire apply as stated above.

All applicants must complete the official online application form in full. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Each application must include the following:

• Applicant information: including, but not limited to, full name, contact information, instrument, division, and age category.

• Proof of age: a copy of a valid document verifying the applicant’s date of birth.

• Repertoire information: complete list of works to be performed, including accurate timing for each piece.

Application Deadlines and Fees

• Early Application Deadline: December 20, 2025 — $100 discounted fee

• Final Application Deadline: January 2, 2026 — $125

All fees are non-refundable and must be paid at the time of submission.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm PST on January 2.

Students who wish to maximize their preparation for the competition are encouraged to enroll in Fried Music’s Winter Intensive Program.

This program offers flexible scheduling and is specifically designed to help serious young musicians practice productively and effectively within a short period of time.

Participants of the Winter Intensive Program will receive special consideration for recognition during the competition (if not otherwise awarded a prize) and are exempt from the competition application fee.

Register here today to catch the early bird discounted tuition!

Disclaimer:
All competition jury members are independent adjudicators who are not current teachers of any competitors. Participation in the Winter Intensive Program does not influence judging or results in any way. An award of special recognition is a separate discretionary category determined solely by the jury and may or may not be granted.