Masterclass Program

Course Description

For the 2025 season, we will be accepting Masterclass applications from solo pianists, and pianist-composers. The Porto Pianofest Masterclass Program is open to advanced and pre-professional pianists who are interested in developing their playing, artistry, and careers. During the festival, participants will study both privately and in public masterclasses with our world-renowned teaching artists and guests. There is additional opportunity for participants to perform in a concluding Festival Participants Recitals.

Porto Pianofest is a way to expand the global network of pianists, teachers, and students, as participants from around the world perform, practice, work, live, and create music together throughout the week.

Pianist-Composers

Pianist-Composers are welcome to apply to both our Masterclass and Artist Residency Programs for 2025. Pianist-Composers will receive 2 piano lessons and 2 composition lessons as part of their festival week. Extra lessons in piano or composition can be added for an additional fee upon request. Repertoire to perform in public performance (whether original works or those of the standard canon) must be approved by the Artist Faculty.

Course Overview

12 DAY INTENSIVE

12 days of intensive practicing and artistic growth

TICKETS

Tickets to all festival concerts and events

INDIVIDUAL LESSONS

Lessons with each of our Artist Faculty members (4 total)

MENTORSHIP

Access to teachers and guest artists for mentoring

AUDIT

Access to audit all lessons and coaching sessions

PERFORMANCE

Opportunity to perform in the Final Participants’ Concert, if chosen by the Artist faculty

PRACTICE TIME

A guaranteed practice room each day for 3 hours (minimum)

Enrollment

Early bird discount deadline— March 1

Final Enrollment deadline — June 30

‍Early Bird Enrollment by March 1— 850 Euros

Enrollment after March 1— 950 Euros

Portuguese Residents— 500 Euros

Materials Needed to Enroll:

  • CV or Bio (detailing performance experience)

  • Name of current instructor and institution

  • Links to 3+ recordings

  • Proposed Program of Works to be studied in lessons and performed

Tuition Prices:


Tuition fee includes all lessons, practice space, concert tickets, and organizing fees. Room & Board is not included in our Masterclass Program price; however the festival can help arrange accommodations upon request. Any bank transfer fees are the responsibility of the payee and are not included in the tuition price.

Admission:


Qualified applicants will be admitted based on their recording samples, resume/CV, educational background and experience. Applications will be processed as they are received, but acceptance letters may take 1-2 weeks to be sent.

Terms & Conditions:

— The festival is aimed towards pre-professional musicians, and young pianists, currently studying at University or Conservatory levels

— Applicants will be selected by review of CV and recordings by the festival's artist faculty and staff

— After notification of acceptance, candidates should proceed to paying the tuition fee. We ask that tuition payment is received within 7 days of acceptance (please contact festival administration if accommodations are needed).

— Underaged students (under 18 years old) must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian for the duration of the festival.

— Additionally, participants will be asked to sign publicity waivers authorizing the festival to share photographs and recordings of performances, classes, and events.

— Because of the pandemic situation of COVID 19, all masterclasses and festival events and activities are dependent on any eventual contingency measures imposed by the authorities and festival partners, for the duration of the festival.

— In case of force majeure, imposed by the authorities and/or partners, against Porto Pianofest’s intentions, the tuition fee will automatically rollover to the following edition of PPF, all payed in full, and there will be no returns. If the participant prefers a refund, because of all non-refundable expenses incurred, Porto Pianofest will offer a partial refund of 50%.
Participants who cancel their attendance to the festival are only eligible for a refund of any kind if notice is given to the festival organization before July 1st, 2025.