2026 Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition 

For over 35 years, the Yamaha Young Performing Artists (YYPA) Program has helped launch the careers of many highly successful musicians and music educators, and has given us at Yamaha a unique opportunity to connect with rising stars. We are very happy to tell you that the 2026 YYPA Competition application will open on December 1, 2025 and we need your help to spread awareness of this opportunity by talking about
the program with students and colleagues.

“YYPA was truly an unforgettable experience — it wasn’t just about performing, but about finding inspiration, community, and the purpose to keep growing as an artist.” said 2025 YYPA Winner Nicole Liu.

Yamaha remains very committed to this program because we believe in and see its value, its uniqueness, and its ability to connect us to young musicians who are thirsty for experiences like the one we provide. Many competitions offer a flashy, one-time cash prize or experience. We offer these students a future – professional development, continued guidance and counsel over the years as their careers take shape, investment in them as musicians and people, and so much more. We still believe this program is truly unlike any other.

Applications are due by midnight (EST) on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Additional details, including the link to the application, can be found on our official YYPA website: https://usa.yamaha.com/education/yypa. Don’t hesitate to email Catelyn at chawkins@yamaha.com or Jalissa at jgascho@yamaha.com with any questions.