Guidelines

The Sound of Piano, Strings & Voice Music Festival (The SPSV)

Since its founding in 2015, the Sound of Piano, Strings & Voice International Music Festival (SPSV) has been held successfully eight times, offering young musicians around the world an inspiring platform for artistic exchange and professional growth.

Through master classes, performances, and collaborative projects, our students have gained deep artistic insight and performance experience. Many past participants have gone on to study at some of the world’s leading conservatories, such as the Juilliard School, New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, Cologne University of Music and Dance, University of the Arts Berlin, Central Conservatory of Music, and Shanghai Conservatory of Music, among others.

The festival welcomes young musicians from China and around the world, including participants from the United States, South Korea, Ireland, Italy, and Taiwan (China). Featured in both Chinese and international media, SPSV has become a vibrant bridge connecting global musical cultures and fostering lasting artistic friendships.

2026 The 9th
The Sound of Piano, Strings & Voice International Music Festival

Important Dates & Deadlines

Jan. 15, 2026

Early Bird Application Deadline

March 31, 2026

Regular Application Deadline

Aug. 2 - Aug. 11, 2026

Festival Duration

Location

Xi’an & Beijing

Instruments

Piano and Voice

Eligible Applicants

1. You are not a citizen of China.(via the English Application)

2. Applicants should possess a certain level of musical knowledge and skill. (Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or provide a temporary guardianship letter signed by their parents.)

3. Secondary school students, pre-college and college students, graduate students, and young professionals are all welcome to apply.

4. Applicants under the age of 13 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For additional inquiries, please contact [email protected]

4. Participants are required to have a strong interest in enhancing their international exchange experience, broadening their artistic vision, and gaining valuable opportunities for international cultural performance and collaboration. They should also be willing to take part in activities that promote global music exchange.

1. 4 one-on-one lessons

2. 2 chamber music/ensemble lessons

3. Multiple Masterclass

4. Various Lecture Courses and Seminars

5. Participate in the 9th Piano, String & Voice Music Festival Music Competition

6. Formal Concert Performance at Xi’an Concert Hall

7. Multiple Exchange Activities of Music with the local students

8. Tickets to the Faculty Concert

9. Outstanding students have chances to receive recommendation letters from professors

10. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive honor certificates and official recognition for their achievements and contributions, which can enrich their background for future academic or professional applications.

11. Certificate of International Cultural Exchange Youth Ambassador

12. City Tour in Xi’an

13. City Tour in Beijing

14. The high-speed train ticket from Xi’an to Beijing

15. The accommodation and 3 meals per day

16. Airport Transfers

17. Festival T-shirt

*Please see the detailed schedule below

Tuition Fee

Early-Bird Tuition (apply on or before January 15, 2026): Double room – $1,880, Single Room – $2300

Full Tuition (apply by deadline March 1, 2026): Double room – $2,180, Single room – $2600

A $200 application fee is required at the time of application, which will be applied toward the tuition.

Tuition includes all lessons, chamber music coaching, masterclasses, lectures and seminars, concerts, access to practice rooms, room and board with three meals per day, excursion trips, transportation to concert venues and airport transfers, as well as accident insurance.

Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to the hotel.

Tuition Tips

Accepted students are encouraged to explore and apply for grants, scholarships, or loan programs offered by their schools, universities, or arts and local education funding organizations to support students’ summer study abroad experience.

We also offer a payment installment plan for added flexibility. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, we will be happy to assist you

Cancellation Policy

After paying the registration fee, participants who wish to withdraw from the program for personal reasons must submit a formal written request.

The refund policy is as follows:
· Before and on April 15, 2026: 80% of the total fee will be refunded; 20% will be retained as an event preparation fee.
· From April 16 to June 15: 50% of the total fee will be refunded; the remaining 50% will be retained as an event preparation fee.
· After June 16, 2026: No refunds will be issued.

Transportation

1. All participants must submit a copy of their travel itinerary for the festival to the festival administration prior to the event.

2. Requests for special assistance must be submitted before June 1, 2026.

3. All participants are responsible for any transportation expenses incurred when traveling between their hometowns and the program venues.

Chinese Visa

The following countries are visa-exempt for entry into China until December 31, 2026. However, please check with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country to confirm the latest requirements:

France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Andorra, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Sweden.

How to apply

1. Click the button below or fill out the application using this form or apply through our U.S. partner, the American Society of Musical Excellence (website: asofme.org)

2. Submit your most recent performance video YouTube link that best showcases your musical ability on the application form.

3. A passport-standard electronic image (use your name as the file name)

4. A photocopy of the passport bio page and visa page (if applicable)

Festival Guests

Families and friends of all participating musicians and accepted students are welcome as festival guests.

Guest attendance includes accommodation, three meals per day, city excursions, high-speed train transportation between cities, transportation to concert venues, access to open masterclasses, lectures, presentations, concerts, and rehearsals.

Guest Rate (only one rate, no early bird option):
· Double Room: $1180
· Single Room: $1600

A $200 application fee is required at the time of application, which will be applied toward the guest’s payment.

The application deadline and Cancellation Policy are the same as the student’s deadline and the Cancellation Policy.

Materials Submission :1. A passport-standard electronic image (use your name as the file name); 2. A photocopy of the passport bio page and visa page (if applicable)

Schedule - Xi'an （August 2- 8）

The 1st Day, 2 TO 5 P.M.

Check and pick up materials and schedule

The 1st Day, 7:30 PM

Opening Ceremony of 9th The Silk Road·The Sound of Piano, Strings & Voice Music Festival

The 2nd Day TO The Last Day morning

Main activities of the festival, including Faculty Concert, Private Lessons, Masterclasses, Ensemble/Chamber Music Training Class, Festival Music Competition, and Music Arts Seminars etc.

The Last Day afternoon AND evening

Students’ Finale Concert in Xi’an Music Hall

The 4th Day

Discover the charm of Xi’an through a journey of history and culture — visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum and the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, enjoy the stunning live show “The Resurrection of the Legion”, and try your hand at restoring and painting a miniature Terracotta Warrior under expert guidance. In the evening, dress in traditional Hanfu and explore the lively Bell and Drum Tower district, immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant local life.

Afternoon and Evening of The 2th Day & 6th day

The 2nd Day : Experience the cultural heart of Xi’an — visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the dazzling Tang Paradise (Great Tang All Day Mall) to feel the beauty of traditional Chinese culture. Explore the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the Xi’an Museum to discover the city’s rich history and deep heritage as one of China’s ancient capitals.

The 6th Day : Walk along the ancient Xi’an City Wall and feel the echoes of centuries past, then explore Yongxingfang in the evening to taste the authentic flavors of Xi’an through its vibrant local street food and lively atmosphere.

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Schedule - Beijing （August 9 - 11）

August 9

Morning: High Speed Train from Xi’an to Beijing

Afternoon to Evening: Stroll down Qianmen Street, where the charm of old Beijing meets the pulse of the modern capital. Experience authentic local life, traditional architecture, and the vibrant spirit of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

August 10

Explore two of China’s most iconic landmarks — the majestic Great Wall and the elegant Summer Palace — and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage that define China’s spirit.

August 11

Visit the magnificent Forbidden City, the world’s largest imperial palace complex, and step into the grandeur of ancient Chinese royal life while feeling the passage of centuries and the echoes of history.

Late Afternoon: Program concludes and farewell to all participants.