The Ross McKee Piano Competition recognizes and supports outstanding young pianists from across Northern California.
Open to serious high school-age musicians, the Competition provides performance opportunities, artistic recognition, financial awards, and career development experiences that help prepare young artists for the next stage of their musical journey.
Each year, a distinguished panel of judges and professional musicians selects up to four Ross McKee Laureates. In addition to receiving a $2,000 cash award, Laureates participate in a public showcase concert and receive additional career development support through the Ross McKee Foundation.
For the 2026 Competition cycle, the Foundation is pleased to introduce several exciting additions, including a newly commissioned required composition, documentary film production opportunities highlighting participating artists, and a new Laureates Showcase Concert partnership with Music at Kohl Mansion.
At a Glance
- Eligibility: High school-age pianists (18 and under on September 1, 2026) residing in Northern California (north of and including Monterey, Kings, Tulare, and Inyo counties)
- Awards: Up to four Laureates receive $2,000 and career support
- Applications Open: July 6, 2026
- Application Deadline: September 1, 2026 (11:59 p.m. Pacific)
- Semi-Final Competition: November 8, 2026
- Laureates Showcase Concert: February 4, 2027
- Competition Inquiries: admin@rossmckeefoundation.org
Round One—
Application & Video Submission
Deadline: September 1, 2026 (11:59 p.m. Pacific)
Applicants must submit
- A completed online application (link will be here July 6th)
- A 15-minute video performance (MP4 or MOV format; multiple files permitted)
- A $75 non-refundable application fee
Repertoire may be drawn from any era and should demonstrate the applicant’s technical proficiency, musical maturity, and artistic range.
All submissions are reviewed anonymously by a panel of professional pianists. Eight to ten applicants will be invited to advance to the live Semi-Final Competition.
Detailed instructions for video submission and file transfer are included within the application. Submitted files must be downloadable (excluding YouTube or other streaming) and must not identify the applicant by name. Submitted video files containing the applicant name will be disqualified.
Round Two—
Live Semi-Final Competition
Notification of Finalists: September 15, 2026
Live Performance: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Location: Studio G, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, 200 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
Semi-Finalists will receive access to the score for the required composition, which must be included as part of their live semi-finals program.
Additional repertoire should reflect the breadth of each pianist’s musicianship, technical command, artistic voice, and expressive capabilities. Total performance time may not exceed 20 minutes.
At the conclusion of the Semi-Final Competition, the judges will select up to four Ross McKee Laureates.
*All judging is anonymous. Each pianist is assigned a number and identified only by that number throughout the adjudication process. The identities of performers and their teachers are not revealed to judges until finalist selections have been made. No teacher whose student enters the Competition may serve on the judging panel.
Documentary Film Project
As part of the 2026 Competition cycle, selected participants and Laureates may be invited to participate in a documentary film project highlighting the artistic journeys, preparation, and personal stories of emerging young pianists.
Additional details will be shared with selected participants during the Competition process.
2027 Laureates Concert
Thursday, February 4, 2027 (evening; time to be announced)
Music at Kohl Mansion
Burlingame, California
The Laureates Showcase Concert is a public celebration featuring performances by the Competition’s top artists. The recipient of the Best Performance of the Required Composition Award will also be recognized and featured.
All applicants should reserve this date in the event they are selected as a McKee Laureate.