As the “junior branch” of the GRADUS International Piano Academy Mainz, the GRADUS Young Piano Academy Mainz focuses on the early development of exceptionally talented young pianists – a crucial factor for sustainable musical growth. The Academy supports promising talents from Rhineland-Palatinate in preparing for the Bundeswettbewerb of the Jugend musiziert competition and opens up new perspectives for their artistic careers.

Through the award of the GRADUS Young Piano Academy Prize to outstanding pianists in the “Solo Piano” category at the Jugend musiziert competition, the Academy offers young musicians the opportunity to gain fresh artistic impulses, perform in front of an audience, and share valuable experiences with like-minded peers.

Support offered to selected first-place winners in the Solo Piano category:

• Complimentary individual lessons with Prof. Thomas Hell and Prof. Sae-Nal Lea Kim, followed by a joint final concert in the Red Hall of the Hochschule für Musik Mainz

• An exclusive opportunity for up to two prizewinners: participation in a masterclass session with Prof. Bernd Goetzke (Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover) – one of today’s most prominent piano pedagogues – as well as performing in the opening concert of the GRADUS International Piano Academy Mainz at the Electoral Palace Mainz

The GRADUS Young Piano Academy Prize is far more than an award: it opens doors for young pianists to an international network of musicians and patrons, providing invaluable impulses for their artistic development. Through active exchange with their peers, participants benefit from creative inspiration, mutual support, and new musical perspectives. At the same time, the Academy provides a platform for the students’ instructors to share experiences, discuss pedagogical approaches, and optimize the individual guidance of their pupils.