The UNO School of Music proudly presents the 2025 Maverick PianoFest—a dynamic event designed to offer student pianists exceptional academic and artistic experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from distinguished piano educators from across North America through a series of engaging masterclasses.
The festival also features a piano competition, with cash prizes awarded to the winners. Lunch is included. An Observer Division is available for teachers who wish to attend without active participation.
The events will take place on Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9.
- Day 1 will focus on masterclasses given by our esteemed faculty. The day will end with a faculty recital given by both of our master teachers.
- Day 2 will consist of a competition, divided into Young Artist (pre-collegiate) and Collegiate Divisions. Winners and Runner-Ups will receive cash prizes.
Lunch will be provided on Saturday.
The 2025 Faculty
Deadlines to apply
Collegiate and Young Artist Divisions: Friday, October 24, 2025
Teachers and Observers Division: Friday, October 31, 2025
Teachers and Observers
We welcome you to observe any of the activities during the day.
Awards
- First Prize: $200
- Second Prize: $100
- Honorable Mention
Questions?
Contact Dr. Kristín Jónína Taylor at kristintaylor@unomaha.edu.
Schedule
Schedule is approximate and subject to change.
All times are Central Time.
Saturday, November 8
|
Time |
Activity |
|
9 - 9:30 A.M. |
Check-in (Strauss Performing Arts Center lobby) Brief Opening Statement (Concert Hall) |
|
9:30 - 11:30 A.M. |
Master classes with Kristian Klefstad (Concert Hall) & Kristín Jónína Taylor (Recital Hall) |
|
11:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. |
LUNCH BREAK (Strauss Performing Arts Center lobby) |
|
12:30 - 2:30 P.M. |
Continuation of Master classes with Kristian Klefstad (Concert Hall) & Kristín Jónína Taylor (Recital Hall) |
|
2:30 - 3:30 P.M. |
Round Table Discussion about Career Opportunities in Music with Dr. Klefstad and Dr. Taylor |
|
3:30 - 4 P.M. |
Tour of the Strauss Performing Arts building as led by students from the UNO Piano Studio |
|
4 - 5:30 P.M. |
Break for practicing (2nd floor practice rooms) |
|
5:30 - 7 P.M. |
Dinner on your own |
|
7 - 8 P.M. |
Faculty Recital (Concert Hall)
|
Sunday, November 9
|
Time |
Activity |
|
8:30 A.M. |
Check-in (Strauss Lobby) & Warm-Up Time (2nd floor practice rooms) |
|
8:45 A.M. - 12 P.M.
|
Competition (Recital Hall) |
|
12 - 12:15 P.M. |
Judges deliberation Free time for competitors |
|
12:15 - 12:30 P.M. |
Awards Ceremony for Young Artists and College Divisions (Recital Hall) |
College Division
Open to pianists enrolled in college or university.
As part of your application, you will be asked to submit a recording which contains two works of contrasting style demonstrating the musical and technical skills of the applicant. The recording should not exceed 15 minutes total.
Mail a check with a non-refundable application fee of $60 payable to “UNO School of Music/PianoFest.”
Complete an online application.
Deadline to apply
Collegiate and Young Artist Divisions: Friday, October 24, 2025Young Artists Division
Open to young pianists between ages 12 and 18.
As part of your application, you will be asked to submit a recording which contains two works of contrasting style demonstrating the musical and technical skills of the applicant. The recording should not exceed 15 minutes total.
Mail a check with a non-refundable application fee of $60 payable to “UNO School of Music/PianoFest.”
Complete an online application.
Deadline to apply
Collegiate and Young Artist Divisions: Friday, October 24, 2025
Observers Division
Open to the general public who would like to observe any of the activities during the day.
Mail a check with a non-refundable application fee of $60 payable to “UNO School of Music - memo: UNO Maverick PianoFest”.
Complete an online application.
Applicants in this division DO NOT need to submit a recording. Acceptance will be based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Deadline to apply
Teachers and Observers Division: October 31, 2025
For more information or any questions, please email Dr. Kristín Jónína Taylor, UNO Maverick PianoFest Coordinator, at kristintaylor@unomaha.edu.
UNO Students may attend all events free of charge.
This event is proudly supported with a grant from the CFAM Cultural Enrichment Fund.