PROGRAMS
July
5 to 14
2025
The COSTA RICA PIANO FESTIVAL welcomes pianists of all levels, ages, and nationalities, providing an immersive experience for those committed to refining their artistry.
Our programs offer private lessons, masterclasses, concerts, international competition, stage presence coaching, and workshops, led by world-renowned artists.
Additionally, participants will have the unique opportunity to explore some of the natural and cultural wonders of one of the greenest, happiest countries in the world.
Nacionales y Residentes
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ACTIVE PARTICIPANT
PROGRAM ONE
All programs offer the unique opportunity to learn from top level artists and gain experience performing on an international stage, surrounded by young pianists of all skill levels, backgrounds, and nationalities.
This diversity provides an enriching environment where participants can learn from one another, build friendships, and celebrate the universal language of music together. Participants will enjoy a well-rounded experience in a supportive and inspiring environment.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
MAY 11, 2025
What’s included:
Stage Presence Coaching:
Personalized guidance to enhance confidence and presentation during performances.
Recognition:
Certificate of participation
Video Recordings:
high quality recordings of your performance.
Performance:
One concert with professional feedback and commentary from distinguished professional pianists, providing valuable insights to improve your artistry.
Photos:
Professional, high quality photos of your performance. Additional ‘portrait’ photos are also available for an extra fee.
Festival Access:
Free admission to all festival concerts, with priority access to masterclasses, workshops, and lectures.
Merch:
CRPF exclusive merch
REQUIREMENTS
Application:
Fill out the application form, audition link with one polished piece of your choice, and application fee.
Repertoire:
Free choice of repertoire, including all genres, arrangements, transcriptions, original compositions, and even improvisations. The time limit for performance is 4 minutes. Multiple pieces in one concert are not allowed; however, multi-movement works (e.g., sonatas, suites, etc) are permitted.
Memorization:
All music must be performed from memory.
Formal Training:
At least one year of uninterrupted, formal training.
What’s included:
Individual Lesson:
One private lesson with our world renowned faculty.
International Competition (Optional):
Opportunity to participate in a high-level piano competition as part of the program.
Video Recordings:
high quality recordings of your performance.
Group Class:
One group masterclass lead by our top level faculty to collaboratively enhance learning and performance skills.
Recognition:
Certificate of participation
Festival Access:
Free admission to all festival concerts, with priority access to masterclasses, workshops, and lectures.
Performance:
One concert with professional feedback and commentary from distinguished professional pianists.
Photos:
Professional, high quality photos of your performance. Additional ‘portrait’ photos are also available for an extra fee.
Stage Presence Coaching:
Personalized guidance to enhance confidence and presentation during performances.
Merch:
CRPF exclusive merch
REQUIREMENTS
Application:
Fill out the application form, audition link with two contrasting pieces of your choice, and application fee.
Repertoire:
Free choice of repertoire, including all genres, arrangements, transcriptions, original compositions, and even improvisations. Traditional “classical” repertoire encouraged (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20/21 Century). The time limit for performance is 8 minutes. Multiple pieces in one concert are not allowed; however, multi-movement works (e.g., sonatas, suites) are permitted.
Memorization:
All music must be performed from memory.
Formal Training:
At least three years of uninterrupted, formal training.
CATEGORY THREE
ELITE STUDENT
The Elite Student program is designed for advanced pianists with at least five years of formal training and the ability to handle complex repertoire. This program offers an immersive experience for those ready to refine their artistry, perform at the highest level, and gain international exposure.
Participants will receive expert guidance from world-class professionals, deepen their craft, and expand their knowledge. With a strong focus on classical repertoire, this program is ideal for dedicated pianists seeking to advance their careers in music.
What’s included:
Individual Lesson:
Two private lessons with our world renowned faculty.
Photos:
Professional, high quality photos of your performance. Additional ‘portrait’ photos are also available for an extra fee.
Improvisation Workshop:
A unique chance to develop creativity and spontaneity in performance.
Master Class:
One high level master class with our world renowned faculty.
Video Recordings:
high quality recordings of your performance.
International Competition (Optional):
Opportunity to participate in a high-level piano competition as part of the program.
Performance:
Three concerts, with professional feedback and commentary from distinguished professional pianists.
Festival Access:
Free admission to all festival concerts, with priority access to masterclasses, workshops, and lectures.
Merch:
CRPF exclusive merch
Recognition:
Certificate of participation
Stage Presence Coaching:
Personalized guidance to enhance confidence and presentation during performances.
REQUIREMENTS
Formal Training:
At least five years of uninterrupted, formal training.
Application:
Fill out the application form, audition link with two contrasting pieces of your choice, and application fee.
Repertoire:
Free choice of repertoire, with minimum of 3 pieces ready to perform. Traditional “classical” repertoire encouraged (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20/21 Century). The time limit for the performance is 10 minutes. Multiple pieces in one concert are not allowed; however, multi-movement works (e.g., sonatas, suites) are permitted.
Memorization:
All music must be performed from memory.
ACTIVE PARTICIPANT SUMMARY
FIRST STEPS
This program is designed for beginner pianists with at least one year of formal piano lessons who are eager to initiate their musical journey in an exciting international setting.
CRESCENDO
This program is designed for intermediate pianists with a minimum of three years of uninterrupted, formal piano lessons, who are on a journey of continuous improvement towards more artistic, sophisticated and demanding repertoires.
What’s included:
What’s included:
Individual Lesson:
One private lesson with our world renowned faculty.
ELITE STUDENT
The Elite Student program is designed for advanced pianists with at least five years of formal training and the ability to handle complex repertoire. This program offers an immersive experience for those ready to refine their artistry, perform at the highest level, and gain international exposure.
Participants will receive expert guidance from world-class professionals, deepen their craft, and expand their knowledge. With a strong focus on classical repertoire, this program is ideal for dedicated pianists seeking to advance their careers in music.
What’s included:
Individual Lesson:
Two private lessons with our world renowned faculty.
Stage Presence Coaching:
Personalized guidance to enhance confidence and presentation during performances.
Group Class:
One group masterclass lead by our top level faculty to collaboratively enhance learning and performance skills.
Master Class:
One high level master class with our world renowned faculty.
Performance:
One concert with professional feedback and commentary from distinguished professional pianists, providing valuable insights to improve your artistry.
Performance:
One concert with professional feedback and commentary from distinguished professional pianists.
Performance:
Three concerts, with professional feedback and commentary from distinguished professional pianists.
Improvisation Workshop:
A unique chance to develop creativity and spontaneity in performance.
International Competition (Optional):
Opportunity to participate in a high-level piano competition as part of the program.
International Competition (Optional):
Opportunity to participate in a high-level piano competition as part of the program.
Recognition:
Certificate of participation
Recognition:
Certificate of participation
Recognition:
Certificate of participation
Photos:
Professional, high quality photos of your performance. Additional ‘portrait’ photos are also available for an extra fee.
Photos:
Professional, high quality photos of your performance. Additional ‘portrait’ photos are also available for an extra fee.
Video Recordings:
high quality recordings of your performance.
Video Recordings:
high quality recordings of your performance.
Festival Access:
Free admission to all festival concerts, with priority access to masterclasses, workshops, and lectures.
Festival Access:
Free admission to all festival concerts, with priority access to masterclasses, workshops, and lectures.
Photos:
Professional, high quality photos of your performance. Additional ‘portrait’ photos are also available for an extra fee.
Video Recordings:
high quality recordings of your performance.
Festival Access:
Free admission to all festival concerts, with priority access to masterclasses, workshops, and lectures.
Merch:
CRPF exclusive merch
Requirements:
Formal Training:
At least one year of uninterrupted, formal piano lessons.
Repertoire:
Free choice of repertoire, including all genres, arrangements, transcriptions, original compositions, and even improvisations. The time limit for performance is 4 minutes. Multiple pieces in one concert are not allowed; however, multi-movement works (e.g., sonatas, suites, etc) are permitted.
Memorization:
All music must be performed from memory.
Merch:
CRPF exclusive merch
Requirements:
Formal Training:
At least three years of uninterrupted, formal piano lessons.
Repertoire:
Free choice of repertoire, including all genres, arrangements, transcriptions, original compositions, and even improvisations. Traditional “classical” repertoire encouraged (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20/21 Century). The time limit for performance is 8 minutes. Multiple pieces in one concert are not allowed; however, multi-movement works (e.g., sonatas, suites) are permitted.
Memorization:
All music must be performed from memory.
Merch:
CRPF exclusive merch
Requirements:
Formal Training:
At least five years of uninterrupted, formal piano lessons.
Repertoire:
Free choice of repertoire, with minimum of 3 pieces ready to perform. Traditional “classical” repertoire encouraged (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20/21 Century). The time limit for the performance is 10 minutes. Multiple pieces in one concert are not allowed; however, multi-movement works (e.g., sonatas, suites) are permitted.
Memorization:
All music must be performed from memory.
Stage Presence Coaching:
Personalized guidance to enhance confidence and presentation during performances.
Stage Presence Coaching:
Personalized guidance to enhance confidence and presentation during performances.
PROGRAM TWO
OBSERVER
PARENT / GUARDIAN
Festival Access:
Free admission to all festival concerts, with priority access to masterclasses, workshops, and lectures.
Includes:
Hotel accommodations (10 days), three meals per day, local transportation, and nature & adventure activities
Merch:
CRPF exclusive merch
Full Experience Only
PROGRAM THREE
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
COMING SOON
EXPERIENCE SELECTION
Full Experience (10 days):
What’s included:
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Hotel Accommodations
(double/triple occupancy)
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Local Transportation
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Three Meals per Day
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Academic Activities
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Nature and Adventure Activities
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City Tour
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Volcano hike
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La Paz Waterfall Gardens tour
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Farmers Market
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Coffee Tour
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Zip Lining tour
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Beach Trip
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Program Tuition + $2000
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APPLICATION DEADLINE
MAY 11, 2025
IMPORTANT:
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Applicants may select the level in which they feel they belong—whether it be First Steps, Crescendo, or Elite Student. However, final placement will be determined by the audition committee, which will carefully assess each applicant to ensure they are placed in the level that best matches their abilities and experience.
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There are no age limits for any of the programs
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Participants of any program under the age of eighteen must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Siblings may be accompanied by one parent or legal guardian.
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Be sure to have a valid passport and check any visa requirements (citizens of the United States of America do not require a visa to visit Costa Rica).
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Unredeemed scholarship prizes and other discounts previously awarded are only applicable to the FULL EXPERIENCE option.
🚨 Spaces are LIMITED and demand is HIGH! 🚨
Once accepted into the program, you will receive an important email with all the details and instructions to secure your spot. To keep your place, you must confirm your participation within 10 days of receiving the email. We look forward to seeing you at the festival!
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Who can participate in the Costa Rica Piano Festival?The festival welcomes pianists of all levels, ages, and nationalities. Participants can choose from three tailored programs: First Steps, Crescendo, and Elite Student, based on their experience and skill level.
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How does the program selection process work?Applicants may select the level they believe suits them best. However, final placement is determined by the audition committee, which carefully evaluates each applicant’s abilities to ensure they are placed in the most appropriate program.
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How can I determine which program level is right for me?To help applicants understand the expected level for each program, we provide example videos of past auditions and concert performances. These serve as a reference for the approximate standards of each level. Click here for more information.
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Can participants perform multiple pieces in one concert?Participants may perform a single piece or a multi-movement work (e.g., sonatas, suites) within their designated time limits. However, multiple separate pieces are not allowed in a single performance. Time limits are 4 minutes for First Steps, 8 minutes for Crescendo, and 10 minutes for Elite Student. All pieces must be performed from memory.
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Is participation in the international competition required?No, participation in the competition is optional and available for Crescendo and Elite Student program participants. It provides a unique opportunity to perform at a high level and receive valuable feedback from distinguished professionals.
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Do I need to attend the festival to participate in the competition?No, participation in the competition can be separate from the festival. Pianists who wish to compete are not required to attend the full festival program.
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Are scholarships or discounts available?Previously awarded CRPF scholarships and discounts can only be applied to the Full Experience package. Special discounts may be available for large groups traveling together. For more details, please contact us at costaricapiano@gmail.com.
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What is included in the festival tuition?Tuition covers private lessons, masterclasses, access to all festival events, and performance opportunities. The Full Experience package also includes accommodations, transportation, meals, and cultural excursions.
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