Young Scholars™
The Young Scholars™ program is a music education initiative designed to identify and support talented young pianists in their professional development. The program has been in place since the Foundation’s launch in 2008, making it our longest running initiative.
Every three years, our team of music advisors personally select a limited number of exceptionally talented young pianists from around the world to join the program, which offers mentoring, tutelage, and unique opportunities for performance in the U.S., Europe and China.
During their three-year experience Young Scholars enjoy a number of intensive study programs designed to deepen their music skills and appreciation, offer them cultural exchanges with students of their own ages, and a variety performance opportunities in world-renowned settings. These performances include playing at internationally-renowned festivals, special concert events, and joining Lang Lang at the Foundation’s Lang Lang & Friends annual galas.
The Foundation operates with the conviction that music is a universal language. We believe that the power of music can unite people across cultural and national divides, bringing messages of inspiration, tolerance, and acceptance to a global audience. A key component of the Young Scholars program is “Play It Forward”, a platform whereby these young musicians can give back to the community by performing at local schools, hospitals and cultural centers, and also through virtual performances streamed on the Foundation’s YouTube channel.
The next application round for The Young Scholars™ will be in Fall 2026. Applicants must be 15 years old or younger at the time of their application.
Thank you to our supporters and partners:
The Tober Fund
Initiative in memory of Shirley Young
Partners:
