Yamaha Young Performing Artists


Welcome to the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Website!
The Yamaha Young Performing Artists Program (YYPA) recognizes outstanding young musicians from the world of classical, jazz and contemporary music. Winners of this competition will be invited to attend an all-expense paid weekend at the Music for All™ Summer Symposium, receive a once in a lifetime performance opportunity in front of thousands, national press coverage, receive a recording and photos of the live performance, and participate in workshops designed to launch a professional music career. Winners also will enjoy many of the privileges of a Yamaha Artist, including services and communication with Yamaha's Artist Relations department.
The very difficult decision has been made to cancel the 2021 YYPA Competition and look forward with great anticipation to the 2022 YYPA Competition. We plan to extend the age limit by one year for the 2022 Competition. Please check back for official updates and 2022 competition rules in summer of 2021.
2020 YYPA WINNERS
Name | Instrument | School/College Currently Attending |
Hunter O'Brien | Flute | New England Conservatory |
Alec Chai | Oboe | Yale University |
Amer Hasan | Clarinet | Oberlin Conservatory of Music |
Salvador Flores | Saxophone | University of Michigan |
Rico Jones | Saxophone | Manhattan School of Music |
Jason Donnelly | Euphonium | University of Miami, Frost School of Music |
Euan Leslie | Drum Set | Berklee College of Music |
Ashley Ridenour | Percussion | University of North Texas |
Xizhu Liang | Piano | Mannes School of Music |
Joe Conticello | Piano | William Paterson University |
Maya Anjali Buchanan | Violin | Curtis Institute of Music |
2020 YYPA Honorable Mention
Name | Instrument | School/College Currently Attending |
Leonardo De La Cruz | Oboe | Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music |
Javier Morales-Martinez | Clarinet | University of Southern California |
Noah Mendoza | Trumpet | Virginia Commonwealth University |
Greg Stevens | Euphonium | University of North Texas |
Noel Holloway | Percussion | University of Miami, Frost School of Music |
Alexander "Sasha" Yakub | Violin | Harvard University |
Maya Keren | Piano | Princeton University |