Piano Lab FAQs

The Gabriela Montero Piano Lab is open to pianists ages 18 and up from any country in the world.

The Gabriela Montero Piano Lab is intended for advanced rising pianists who have started developing international soloist careers. Fellows are genuinely interested in understanding the industry dynamics, developing their musical skills, and growing as citizen artists.

Communication with the academic team will be in English, while individual communication with Gabriela Montero can be in English or Spanish.

The Piano Lab is not a conventional academic conservatoire curriculum course. The Lab is tailored to each individual potential, simultaneously supporting human development through both personal and professional goals from the perspective of a 360-degree concert artist. It is a unique and innovative journey combining collaboration and mentorship from one of the most successful musicians of our time. The repertoire will be jointly determined by the accepted Fellow and Montero, depending on the individual needs of each participant.

It is free to apply to OAcademy. You only need to pay if you are selected and decide to enroll in our program.

The Gabriela Montero Piano Lab lasts 12 months, running from January to December.

Piano Lab Fellows are mentored by Gabriela Montero for 12 months, receiving up to 12 hours of individual mentorship sessions. The sessions can be online or in-person, depending on mentor and mentee availability. 

All Fellows are invited to join Gabriela Montero in two short artistic residencies in Switzerland (semester 1) and the USA (semester 2). Mini-residencies will be offered for fellows to meet with Gabriela Montero in person as often as possible. 

Ground costs will be covered by OAcademy for all Fellows who attend the residencies. Fellows are responsible for their airfare to and from the residencies.

Attendance is not required but is highly encouraged. 

Yes.

To apply, use our application form to submit a short bio and two video recordings of contrasting performances demonstrating a high level of pre-professional development. 

Choose your repertoire wisely: the greater the musical range you demonstrate, the easier it will be to select you as a successful candidate. You can submit videos previously recorded, but please notice that the content should have been recorded within the past 12 months.

Remember, Gabriela Montero is a creative artist whose expertise will benefit imaginative, creative, and dynamic young musicians. The audition process will diligently select the most suitable 9 “matches,” those applicants most likely to benefit from the GMPL's creative ethos.