PROGRAM
Piano masterclasses and rotten shark? Sign me up!
Developing artistry, resilience, and connection in Iceland’s capital.
Growing out of our sister festival, Westfjords Piano Festival, we are proud to announce the launch of our inaugural Reykjavík International Piano Festival, taking place August 3-13, 2026, in Reykjavík, Iceland. Expanding the festival’s tradition of world-class concerts, this new program emphasizes both musical excellence and personal growth. Over the course of the week, our four distinguished international professors will lead daily lessons, workshops, and discussions for young pianists and emerging talents. Participants will gain invaluable experience performing in public concerts at Harpa, sharing their artistry with local and international audiences in one of the world’s most prestigious concert venues.
The program goes beyond technical mastery: students will engage in group and personal development activities such as yoga, guided nature walks, and friendly football matches. They will also have the chance to experience the local cuisine. From fresh caught fish to old rotten shark, it is sure to be a unique and enriching experience. These activities foster creativity, resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of community, reflecting the festival’s commitment to nurturing the whole musician.
By combining expert mentorship, public performance opportunities, and holistic development, Reykjavík Pianofest offers a unique experience where artistry and humanity meet.
Private Lessons and Masterclasses
Each participant is offered a minimum of 4 private lessons with the artist faculty. Masterclass opportunities are also available.
Practice Facilities
Each participant is guaranteed 4 hours of practice room availability daily, to ensure ample time to prepare and grow in between lessons and performances.
Outings and Social Activities
Each participant is invited to a variety of outings, such as hiking, walks, sports activities, movie nights, social meals, and bowling.
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Concert Opportunities
Participants are selected to perform on a variety of student concerts, including at Harpa Concert Hall, the quintessential and paramount performance venue in Iceland.
Workshops
A wide variety of inspired workshops, ranging from specialized academic topics such as a detailed foray into the ornamention in classical-era music, to discussions on overall musician's well-being and strategies for conquering performance anxiety. Current workshops (with more to be added):
- Yoga and meditation
- Ornamention in Mozart and Beethoven
- Overcoming performance anxiety
- Boxing, MMA, and Piano
Self-development
Yoga and meditation classes
Calisthenics workouts
TUITION FEES & PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Included in Tuition Fees:
- A minimum of 4 privates lessons with the artist faculty. Each private lesson is approximately 50-60 minutes depending on repertoire. More private lessons can be scheduled on a personal basis at no extra cost.
- Concert Opportunities: All accepted students will be invited to give performance on our public concerts, including the marathon concerts and student concerts at the world-renowned Harpa Concert Hall.
- Headshot Photography and Concert Recordings: Each student gains access to a personalized headshot photography shooting which they can use for their own concert promotion in the future, in addition to access to professional recordings of Harpa Concert Hall performances.
- Masterclasses: Students can sign up for various masterclass opportunities.
- Workshops: Students gain access to all workshops.
- Practice facilities: Each student is guaranteed 4 hours of daily practice time on a grand piano.
- Discounted rates on group travel: We will organize several outings, including hikes and sight-seeing.
Early-bird application deadline: December 31, 2025
First round of selection decision: January 15, 2026
Early-bird Tuition Fees: 130.000 ISK
Early-bird Tuition Fees for Icelandic Residents: 105.000 ISK
Application deadline: April 30, 2026
Selection decision: May 15, 2026
Tuition Fees: 150.000 ISK
Tuition Fees for Icelandic Residents: 125.000 ISK
Accepted students are responsible for their own travel, room & board, and other personal costs. The festival is able to help provide discounted rates for housing options walking distance to practice facilities and all activities.
A few scholarship and work-study opportunities are available, and will be given out based on application assessment. Icelandic residents have access to lower tuition rates due to government grants aimed for Icelandic students.
Tuition fees must be paid in full within 2 weeks (14 days) of acceptance. More information about payment options will be given after the application results are publicized.