World-class adjudicators, teaching artists, and clinicians provide participants of all ages and teachers with powerful and uplifting learning experiences.
Learning activities from April through June, with live virtual events from June 4th - 13th include: student coaching sessions, workshops, and concerts.  Optional masterclasses and private lessons are available for an additional fee.  Complete schedule available in February.
Participants submit a recorded program -- 10 min. max. for Budding Pianists (age 12 & younger) or 15 min. max. for Teen Pianists (age 13-19) and Lifelong Learners (age 20 and up).  All participants are recognized with one special individually tailored award certificate. Adjudicators provide extensive feedback and then work with participants individually in master classes, open to the public.
Learning activities include creative challenges and skill-building exercises that encourage student connection and social constructivist learning.
Participants also have the option to submit a written composition for feedback from a composition teaching artist.
Every year we feature a comprehensive and experiential array of offerings that help participants with building creative skills, examining and interpreting historical works, discovering and appreciating new music, and developing practice strategies and new ways of thinking like an artist.  Additional offerings include educator gatherings, technology showcases, and wellness sessions. 
June 4-13, 2021
​First ever virtual festival!
Please visit again in the coming months for updated details. Applications are open!
Visit the festival information homepage for complete details, eligibility, schedules from previous years, adjudicator and clinician bios, alumni spotlights, and more!
Donate today to support the Festival for Creative Pianists!

Your gift helps transform the creativity of young learners.
Donations of any size help - from small donations to corporate sponsorships. 
 Check out these additional ways to contribute including ongoing sponsorships and becoming a masthead donor. 

Join us on March 19th at 8:00 p.m. ET!    John Salmon: Improvise Every Day! - Performance and Q&A Fundraising Event for the 2021 Festival for Creative Pianists

Festival leadership:
  • Evelyn Billberg (Program Director - email)
  • Arthur Houle (Founder/Artistic Director - email)
  • Luke Rackers (Executive Director, Abundant Silence - email)

Andrew Vargas, Former Festival Participant

"When first I attended the Festival for Creative Pianists, I did not realize what a major impetus it would provide in my growth as a musician. The festival’s emphasis on creativity, improvisation, and composition is a focus all too often missing in today’s musical education. Interacting with the wonderful faculty of this festival rounded me out as a musician, inspired me tremendously, and provided me with tools and perspectives I still use today."
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Contestants - 2018 Festival for Creative Pianists
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Contestants - 2017 Festival for Creative Pianists

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​(archives since 2001)