Saturday, January 17, 2026
Since the 1970s, the Henry and Carol Zeiter Piano Competition at University of the Pacific has drawn exceptionally talented young pianists from around California.
All high school students in California are eligible to enter except for former first prize winners and students of judges. Finalists are chosen through a process of video-recorded auditions and invited to Pacific to play in live auditions.
Contestants prepare solo works representing three of the following five style periods with at least one from the Baroque or Classical. Works by underrepresented composers are strongly encouraged.
The application deadline is December 12, 2025.
Contestants are evaluated in a preliminary recorded round consisting of two of the three selected works. Approximately 15-18 pianists are invited to the Pacific campus for the live auditions.
$90—application fee
December 12, 2025—application deadline
9 a.m. Registration (Buck Hall)
10 a.m. Auditions (Recital Hall)
12 p.m. Lunch (DeRosa University Center)
1:15 p.m. Auditions
3 p.m. Refreshments (Buck Hall)
3:30 p.m. Presentation by Conservatory Admissions (Recital Hall)
4 p.m. Master classes with Dr. Sonia Leong and Dr. Natsuki Fukasawa (Recital Hall)
5:20 p.m. Awards announcement
Associate Professor and Program Director of Piano
