Student Information

 

Activities, lessons, and events are held at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, at 951 Ave. Ponce de Leon, San Juan. As a student of the festival, you will have access to practice rooms and rehearsal space at the conservatory from 9am-9pm. The Conservatory of Music is an all Steinway school. There are two separate programs during the 2026 festival, piano and strings. Details for each are below, including application requirements, important dates, and FAQ.

Student Daily Schedule

10AM-2PM Private lessons and coachings
2PM-3PM Lunch Break
3PM-5PM Masterclass
7PM-9PM Recital

Piano program

  • Four private lessons

  • Opportunity to play in a masterclass

  • Performances during one of four student concerts at the end of the festival

  • Chamber music (optional)

String Program

  • Four private lessons

  • Opportunity to be selected to play in a masterclass

  • Performances during one of four student concerts at the end of the festival

  • Chamber music and festival string orchestra

To apply for the festival you must provide

  • Contact information

  • Current school and teacher

  • Letter of recommendation (can be emailed directly to prpianofest@gmail.com)

  • YouTube links of two contrasting works

  • Repertoire you plan to play during the festival

Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Tuition and fees

  • Non refundable Application fee is $75

  • Tuition cost is $1200

As part of the festival’s mission to support local students in Puerto Rico who face financial hardship, students in Puerto Rico may attend with a reduced tuition.

International students (not local in Puerto Rico) may apply for need-based scholarship through the work-study program.

Housing and Travel

Students may choose to stay at the Courtyard Marriott in Miramar located at 810 Ponce de Leon Ave.  The hotel is ten minutes walking distance from the Conservatory of Music, and is in a safe and convenient location with shops and restaurants nearby.  Each student will be paired with a roommate, sharing a double room.  As part of the festival, hotel offers a discounted rate of $908 for eleven nights per person. Meals are not included.

Students may also find their own accommodations via Airbnb or other hotels.  

The destination airport in Puerto Rico is Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU).

Important Dates

Application Deadline March 15
Tuition deposit (50%) due: April 1
Hotel fee (if applicable) due: May 15
Remaining tuition due: June 1

Arrival day is Sunday June 28

Departure day is Thursday July 9

Things to bring

Sun screen
Warm weather clothing
Sweater or scarfs for time indoors, as the air conditioning can be very strong
Portable music stand (string players)
Bathing suit
Second copy of scores for masterclasses
Health insurance card
ID and/or passport

FAQ

Do I need a Passport to travel to Puerto Rico?
US citizens do not need a passport to enter Puerto Rico.  Travel to and from the island is treated as a domestic flight.  If you are an International student traveling from the US, you will need only your passport; no other travel documents are necessary.  If traveling from a country other than the US, you may need a tourist Visa when entering immigration in the US.  Check with your school international office, or the UCIS website for more information. 

Does Puerto Rico use dollars?
Yes, the currency in Puerto Rico is US Dollars.

Does Puerto Rico have US Cellular?
Yes, most major US cellular companies have free roaming in Puerto Rico.  This includes Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others.  If you are unsure about your plan, please check with your cell phone company before traveling.  

Does Puerto Rico have Uber?
Yes, Uber is the most convenient way to get around the San Juan area.