Since the 1970s, the Henry and Carol Zeiter Piano Competition 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. 

Repertoire

Contestants prepare three solo works representing three of the following style periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Impressionist/Contemporary. Works by underrepresented composers are strongly encouraged.

Procedures

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.

Contestant at Zeiter Piano Competition
Prizes
  • First prize: $1000 
  • Second prize: $750 
  • Third prize: $500
  • Special prize for best performance of a work by an underrepresented composer: $300
  • Honorary mention plus master class performance: $100
Join Us

$90—application fee
Application deadline TBD

Apply today

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

Zeiter Piano Competition
2025 Winners
  • First prize: Bridget Hoang 
  • Second prize: Brian Lin
  • Third prize: Jiajing Liang 
  • Special prize for underrepresented composer: Karen Matsui
  • Honorable Mention: Karen Matsui
  • Honorable Mention: Liliana Chai
  • Honorable Mention: Celicia Thendean
  • Honorable Mention: Aidan Kwon
Zeiter Piano Competition Winners 2025

Contact us

Sonia Leong

Associate Professor and Program Director of Piano

sleong@pacific.edu