David Hochstein Recital Competition

If you have questions about this application, please email Carl Galland at carl.galland@hochstein.org.

Application Instructions

Application Deadline: Accepting applications until January 5, 2026
Live Auditions: Sunday, February 1, 2026 at The Hochstein School

Eligibility

Open to performers of piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp, and classical guitar (no vocalists) enrolled in grades 10, 11, and 12 and residing or studying in one of the following counties: Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, or Yates. Previous winners are ineligible.

Awards

$500 will be awarded to the winners in each of the following categories:

  • Category I: Piano
  • Category II: Strings
  • Category III: Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Harp, Guitar

Prize winners will be presented in recital at Hochstein in the Spring, based on availability of the winners, with the recital to be recorded for later broadcast on WXXI Classical FM, 91.5.*

Application Deadline

We are accepting applications until January 5, 2026. Applications after this deadline are only accepted on a space-available basis. All applications must be submitted electronically to The Hochstein School no later than Monday, January 5, 2026.

A non-refundable fee of $35 must accompany the application. The application fee can be submitted by check/money order or paid by credit card.

  • Checks or money orders should be made out to The Hochstein School with DHRC – student name in the memo line. They should be mailed to The Hochstein School, 50 North Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY 14614.
  • Credit card payments can be made over the phone by calling the Hochstein office at 585-454-4596. (Please indicate the student name AND that you are paying the DHRC application fee.)

Please ensure that your payment is paid (or postmarked) before or on the application deadline of 12/12/25.

Auditions

All auditions will be heard in person on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at The Hochstein School within the time frame of 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm — 50 N. Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY 14614.

Audition Performance Requirements

  • All contestants must perform three compositions (or movements) in contrasting styles. All three compositions performed must be by different composers.
  • Contestants in Categories II & III are required to provide piano accompaniment and their own accompanist, unless performing a selection written for their instrument alone.
  • Contestants must provide one copy of each composition for the judges.
  • Piano contestants must perform from memory. Memorization is optional for other instrumentalists.
  • Concerto repertoire is not permitted for piano contestants.
  • Audition time may be limited. Contestants should be prepared to be interrupted and asked to perform any portion of the music.

*In the event of unforeseen technical or other difficulties, Hochstein reserves the right to make final decisions regarding the suitability of the recording for broadcast.

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Applicant Info

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Address(Required)

Private Teacher Info

Your teacher will be notified upon submission of your application and will be asked to approve your entry for this competition.

Teacher Address

Audition Pieces

Please list pieces to be performed in audition.

How will you pay your $35 application fee?*
Application Payment Choice(Required)

Checks or money orders should be made out to The Hochstein School with DHRC - student name in the memo line. They should be mailed to The Hochstein School, 50 North Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY 14614.
Credit card payments can be made over the phone by calling the Hochstein office at (585) 454-4596. (Please indicate the student name AND that you are paying the DHRC application fee.)