The Young Scholars™ program is a music education initiative designed to identify and support talented young pianists in their professional development.

The Young Scholars™ Program has been in place since the Foundation’s launch in 2008, making it our longest running initiative. The Foundation operates with the conviction that music is a universal language. We believe that the power of music can unite people across cultural and national divides, bringing messages of inspiration, tolerance, and acceptance to a global audience.

Every two years, we accept applications for a new class of Young Scholars™. Applications are reviewed by Lang Lang, who personally selects a limited number of exceptionally talented young pianists from around the world, offering them mentorship, tutelage, and unique opportunities for performance.

A key component of the Young Scholars™ program, “Play it Forward”, provides a platform for Young Scholars™ to give back to by participating in community concerts at local schools, hospitals, museums and more. Scholars also participate in weekly virtual concerts, designed to create outreach and engagement on a global scale.

During their two-year scholarship, opportunities for cultural exchange are implemented by bringing the Young Scholars™ together in international meetings of musical minds. Scholars travel around the world for exciting education and performance opportunities such as Summer Music Summit in Chicago, Oxford Philomusica Piano Festival and Summer Academy in the UK, and Lang Lang & Friends concerts.

Applicants must be no more than 16 years of age at the time of their application.