- May 2, 2026 at Seton Hill Performing Arts Center, Greensburg
- Registration Opens: January 1, 2026
- Registration Deadline: March 20, 2026
FAQ’s
FAQ (click on triangle to expand)
Performance & Accompaniment
1. What are the rules regarding accompaniment? Recorded piano tracks are permitted for students who do not have a live accompanist. Additionally, students are welcome to act as their own accompanist (e.g., a vocalist playing the piano while singing).
2. Are “Art Songs” or specific genres required? No. There are no specific genre restrictions; students are encouraged to perform pieces that best showcase their abilities.
3. What is the expected performance length? Each student is allotted a 15-minute time slot. The piece should not exceed 7 minutes to allow time for the clinician to work with the performers.
Registration & Requirements
4. Are there any pre-submission requirements? No. Beyond the initial registration form and fee, there are no pre-submission requirements (such as audition recordings or digital files). Students simply need to arrive prepared to perform on the day of the festival.
5. What are the obligations for teachers and parents? There are no administrative obligations for teachers or parents other than ensuring the student is registered. However, a parent or guardian should plan to remain in the building with the student throughout their time at the festival.
6. Who must attend the event with the student? It is not mandatory for a school director or private teacher to be present. Students may attend with just a parent or guardian.
Event Logistics & Format
7. What is the time commitment on the day of the festival? This is not an all-day commitment. Students are only expected to be present for their designated warm-up time and their scheduled performance.
8. How many rounds are included in the 2026 event? The 2026 format consists of a single round held at the Seton Hill Performing Arts Center on May 2nd. There are no preliminary screening rounds or recordings required this year.
9. How are students grouped and evaluated? Evaluation is focused on individual growth. Each student will receive personalized feedback from the adjudicators.
10. Is this a competitive or non-competitive event? The 2026 festival is strictly non-competitive. There will be no rankings (1st, 2nd, or 3rd place) as the goal is to provide an educational and supportive performance experience where students can receive constructive feedback.
11. When will I receive my performance time? The full performance schedule will be announced and distributed shortly after the registration deadline has passed.
12. Can family or friends attend the performance? Yes, family and friends are welcome to attend the performance (space-permitting.)
For more than four decades, the Westmoreland Symphony’s Young Artist Competition has celebrated outstanding young musicians across our region. Originally founded in the 1980s and reimagined in 2002 as a solo performance competition, it has long stood as a hallmark of excellence, fostering the next generation of classical performers.
In 2025, this beloved program enters an exciting new chapter as it expands into the Young Artist Solo & Ensemble Festival. This refreshed format broadens opportunities for young musicians—welcoming students in grades 3–12 to perform as soloists or in chamber ensembles—all within a supportive, educational, and community-focused environment. Co-hosted by the WSO Academy of Music and the Seton Hill University Music Department, the festival emphasizes growth, creativity, and collaboration while preserving the high artistic standards that have defined the Young Artist Competition for decades.
Open to strings, classical pianists, woodwind, brass, percussion, and voice students who reside in or study with a private teacher in Westmoreland, Fayette, Allegheny, Greene, or Washington County (PMEA District 1), the festival offers participants professional feedback, meaningful performance experience, and the opportunity to be recognized for exceptional musicianship.
This evolution represents the WSO’s continued commitment to nurturing young talent and expanding access to transformative musical experiences. We look forward to welcoming students, teachers, and families to this exciting new celebration of youth music excellence.
🎻 Who Can Participate
Students in Grades 3–12 are invited to perform as soloists or in chamber ensembles. This is a wonderful opportunity to perform, receive professional feedback, and grow as a musician in a supportive environment.
🎵 Festival Structure
- Solo Performance: $25
- Chamber Ensemble (2+ members): $50
- Performance Time: 10–15 minutes (includes a brief mini-clinic with adjudicator)
👩⚖️ Adjudicators
Six professional adjudicators featuring Seton Hill University Faculty, Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra Musicians, and area professionals.
🗓 Key Dates
- Registration Opens: January 1, 2026
- Registration Deadline: March 20, 2026
Download the PDF information sheet
For more information contact Adam Gillespie (adam@westmorelandsymphony.org)
