Information for Participants
‘I consider myself very fortunate to have participated in the Oxford Piano Festival in summer of 2023. It was a rich and formative experience to benefit from the instruction and insight of some of the world’s most esteemed artists in the picturesque city of Oxford. The environment was greatly enhanced by the passion and enthusiasm of my fellow student participants, with whom I remain good friends.
I would strongly recommend the festival to any aspiring young artists!’
Jaeden Izik-Dzurko
Oxford Piano Festival Alumnus and Winner of The Leeds International Piano Competition 2024
Participant applications for the 2026 Oxford Piano Festival will open in january.
Tuition
Oxford Piano Festival Participants are some of the most talented up-and-coming young pianists. Places at the festival are highly sought after and every year we welcome participants from across the world.
As well as benefitting from the wisdom of the greats of the piano world in masterclasses throughout the week, participants are able to form friendships with other talented young pianists, learn from their peers and are welcomed into the supportive festival community of OPO audience members and Observer Pass holders.
Masterclasses:
All participants receive three one-hour lessons in public masterclasses with three professors of the Piano Festival Faculty and perform a piece at the Participants’ Recital.
Entry Requirements:
We accept applications from advanced piano
students (of at least Diploma standard) of all
nationalities who are between the ages of 14 and
26 on the 25 July 2026.
24 April 2026 application deadline
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Travel to Oxford:
Oxford is easily accessible, situated just a one-hour train ride from central London.
The Oxford Bus Company (01865 785 400 / www.oxfordbus.co.uk/airline) run a coach service from Heathrow and Gatwick airports named ‘the airline’. Stagecoach runs a 24-hour coach service between Oxford and Central London (0345 241 8000 / www.oxfordtube.com). There are frequent rail services from London Paddington and London Marylebone to Oxford (information from National Rail Enquiries on 0345 748 4950 / www.nationalrail.co.uk). Our staff will be happy to advise you about your journey to and from the Festival.
Transport to Concerts:
All concerts are within walking distance (under 1 mile) of St Hilda’s College. The office can organise taxis at an additional cost for those who would prefer not to walk. We advise using public transport where possible as there is limited parking available at St Hilda’s College and in the city centre.
Arrival and Registration:
Festival staff will be at St Hilda’s College to welcome observers and show them to their accommodation. Please aim to register at the JdP Music Building by 14:00.
Accommodation:
Staying on the St Hilda’s campus provides a peaceful, tranquil backdrop to the festival, alongside being the easiest access to all festival events. Full board accommodation (including meals) at St Hilda’s College is available on a first come first served basis, with priority given to Participants and Observer Pass holders.
Requests for part-time accommodation at St Hilda’s will only be accepted, subject to availability, in early July.
Food and Drink:
Meals are included with accommodation packages at St Hilda’s College, starting with dinner on 25 July and ending with lunch on 2 August. Many restaurants, cafes, and bars are also just a 10-minute walk away.
Practice Pianos:
Festival participants will have access to practice
facilities in the JdP Music Building.
Professor Allocation:
Although we try to accommodate participants’ choice of masterclass professor, we cannot guarantee that everyone will receive tuition from their preferred professors.
Certificates:
Certificates of attendance will be presented to all Festival Pass holders in the closing ceremony.
Scholarships:
We understand that for some participants the cost may be out of reach. We welcome applications for a scholarship that will help with some or all of the cost.
2026 Festival Prices:
Festival Passes:
Participant £950 (entry to all events, plus masterclass tuition and performance in Participants’ Recital)
Please note that accommodation is not included in the Festival Passes and should be purchased separately.
Full-board single-room accommodation:
Standard £775 (with shared bathroom)
Ensuite £900 (with private bathroom)
Anniversary Building £1,000 (premium ensuite)
Full-board for 2 people sharing twin-room accommodation:
Standard £1,275 (with shared bathroom)
Ensuite £1,375 (with private bathroom)
Anniversary Building £1,550 (premium ensuite)
Payment Deadline
1 July 2026
Festival passes and full board accommodation are sold separately and can be purchased from the shop.
Cancellation Policy:
Participants who withdraw from the Festival will receive a refund of all but £50 if withdrawn by Thursday 9 July. Those who withdraw after 9 July will also have additional expenses incurred by the Festival deducted from their refund.
If you have any questions about the application process or attending the Festival, please contact Lydia Bennett, Education Officer, at opoeducation@oxfordphil.com.
